AceShowbiz -

A feature film about two iconic authors in British fantasy literature is in development. It will focus on the friendship between J.R.R. Tolkien, the mastermind behind epic Middle-earth stories like "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit", and C.S. Lewis, the author of classic "The Chronicles of Narnia".

Simon West, known for his work in "The Expendables 2", "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider", and "Con Air", is tapped to helm the project. It's described as "a drama fantasy set in war torn Britain in 1941 revealing the faith, friendship, and rivalry between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis."

Tolkien and Lewis had a lot in common. Both were Oxford teachers and World War I veterans. The two writers also chose not to spell out their names. They were friends for years, but their relationship became strained later on. Their story will be explored in "Tolkien & Lewis".

A solo biopic about Tolkien is also in the works elsewhere at Fox Searchlight. This "Tolkien" project "will examine the author's life, particularly his formative years at Pembroke College and as a soldier in World War I, and how it influenced him and his work."