John Lennon biopic in the works

LONDON, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Casting reportedly is under way for the lead roles in a new film about the early years of the late British rock 'n' roll icon and peace activist John Lennon.

The Hollywood Reporter said "Nowhere Boy" is to be helmed by visual artist Sam Taylor-Wood from a screenplay by "Control" scribe Matt Greenhalgh.

"The women in John's early life truly shaped who he became," Taylor-Wood said. "And the strengths and weaknesses of their relationships are central to this film."

The movie is expected to be filmed in Lennon's native Liverpool, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.