Steven Spielberg’s next film is World War I epic War Horse. I am really excited about this announcement because the movie is set against the sweeping backdrop of the Great War. The story is based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel of the same name with a recent stage adaptation.

Richard Curtis and Lee Hall are writing the screenplay.

The plot is pure Spielberg and I can see why he’d want to direct this movie. It centers on a boy and a horse. They separate, but their lives continue to intertwine over the course of WW I.

Spielberg told Variety, “Its heart and its message provide a story that can be felt in every country.”

Disney and DreamWorks will release film Aug. 10, 2011.

The video below is The National Theater’s trailer for the hit play War Horse: