Will Smith to star in 'Joe' based on story of Job

(AFP PHOTO/BORIS HORVAT)

Currently shooting the sequel sci-fi comedy Men in Black III with Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith plans to star in the comedy Joe, a modern take on the biblical tale of Job.

The screenplay for Joe, by Paul Tamasy ( The Fighter), is described as the story of a man living the American dream with all the trappings - nice house, car, great kids and wife - until God and the devil bet on the man's life, putting the fate of the world at stake.

In the biblical version Job loses God's protection, which allows Satan to take his livelihood and his children - the set up is a temptation for Job to curse God.

Oscar nominee David O. Russell ( The Fighter) in a possible director.

Smith has not made a film since 2008 with Hancock and Seven Pounds, working instead on producing The Karate Kid for his son Jaden. He also has several possibilities lined up, including Hood, Flowers for Algernon, and Suspicion.

RC