Catherine Hardwicke (
Thirteen) is to direct a feature version of the story of the Virgin Mary,
Nativity, according to Variety.
Nativity is being fast-tracked in hopes of releasing the pic during this year's holiday season.
Rich's script covers the two-year period in Mary and Joseph's life culminating in their departure from Nazareth and 100-mile journey to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.
Development of "Nativity" comes two years after the release of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," which grossed more than $600 million worldwide.