Levinson's film credits include "Diner," "Good Morning, Vietnam" and "Liberty Heights." His movie "What Just Happened?" screened at the Cannes Film Festival this spring.

The Hollywood Reporter said Levinson is to direct "Train," while "Resurrecting the Champ" author Allison Burnett writes the screenplay.

The book explores themes of city politics and racism in Southern California as a white sergeant in the San Diego Police Department crosses paths with Lionel "Train" Walk, a young black golf caddy who has information on a killing, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.