Michael Fassbender to play Aronofsky's Noah?

X-Men: First Class star Michael Fassbender is in talks to star in Biblical epic Noah .

Black Swan ’s Darren Aronofsky is directing the movie, which will be based on the famous Noah’s ark story you probably learned about at school.

The Dark Knight Rises actor Christian Bale was the favourite to play the boat-building, animal-saving title character but he has passed up the opportunity due to a busy filming schedule.

According to Variety (via Slashfilm ), Fassbender has had an informal chat with the director about the project, but he hasn't official signed up yet.

He'd certainly be a good Bale-replacement in terms of screen intensity, but will he be able to grow the same thickness of beard? We just don't know yet.

Darren Aronofsky has been interested in directing this film for a while now and it looks like it will finally be getting made.

Aronofsky and Skyfall screenwriter John Logan have written the script and filming is due to start early next year.

Fassbender currently has one of the most eclectic schedules of any actor working today. The 34-year-old can next be seen in Shame alongside Carey Mulligan, which will be released in January.