Schreiber Battles "Noah"; Wife Role Not Settled Yet

Liev Schreiber is the leading contender for the role as the antagonist Darren Aronofsky's upcoming biblical epic "Noah" says Variety.

An adaptation of the Biblical story of Noah's Ark, Russell Crowe stars as the man who must build an Ark to save all of creation from a coming flood.

Liam Neeson was previously linked to the bad guy role. The trade also mentions that Julianne Moore is said to be in contention with Jennifer Connelly to play the wife of Noah. Douglas Booth and Logan Lerman will play sons Shem and Ham respectively. Emma Watson would play a love to one of Noah's sons (Booth). Saoirse Ronan co-stars.

Aronofsky & Ari Handel, wrote the original script for "Noah," but they evenually handed re-writing duties to John Logan (The Last Samurai, Gladiator).

Aronofsky, Mary Parent and Scott Franklin are producing the pic.

Production could start this Summer to meet its March 28th 2014 U.S. release date.