DreamWorks planning Blackbeard bio-pic

LOS ANGELES, May 20 (UPI) -- DreamWorks reportedly is planning a big-screen biography of British buccaneer Edward Teach, better known as the pirate Blackbeard.

Variety.com said David Franzoni, the author of the epics "Amistad" and "Gladiator," is on board to write the screenplay.

Former Philadelphia 76ers President Pat Croce will co-produce the film. He is reportedly collaborating closely with Franzoni on the script, the trade paper said.

Croce wrote "Pirate Soul," a book about the golden era of piracy during the 17th and 18th centuries. He also owns a pirate museum in Key West, Fla.