Seymour Hoffman to direct supernatural drama

Philip Seymour Hoffman is to direct a new supernatural drama movie.

The actor-and-filmmaker, who is receiving praise for his performance in 'The Master', is set to helm 'Ezekiel Moss' with Mandalay Pictures.

Written by Keith Bunin and produced by Anthony Bregman, the story follows a mysterious stranger with the power to speak to the dead and sees him transform the lives of residents in a small Nebraska town, including a widow and her young son.

No cast have been confirmed or rumoured yet. The script appeared on the 2011 Black List, an annual ranking of the year's most-talked-about unproduced screenplays.

The Black List has the power to allow unknown screenwriters to work with major studios, which is how Diablo Cody, who wrote 'Juno', got her big break.

Seymour Hoffman's last project was 2010's 'Jack Goes Boating', which was met with positive responses from critics.

The award-winning 'Capote' actor, 45, is currently filming 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire', which will see him play Plutarch Heavensbee.

His upcoming film 'The Master', in which he stars with Joaquin Phoenix, is released on November 9.