Joe Eszterhas has signed on to write a screenplay about the Virgin of Guadalupe for Los Angeles-based Mpower Pictures.

The as-yet-untitled script is about a vision who appeared to Aztec peasant Juan Diego in the 16th century and became a Mexican icon and symbol of Mexican identity.

“This is a labor of love for me,” Eszterhas said.  “I have been hoping for some time to write a film that is both entertaining and inspiring.” 

“Guadalupe changed the course of history for the indigenous peoples of Mexico.  It had a transformative effect on their culture and especially their faith,” added Mpower Pictures CEO Steve McEveety.

Eszterhas, who wrote films including Flashdance, Basic Instinct and Showgirls, most recently penned the screenplay for Hungarian historical drama Children Of Glory.

Mpower’s other projects include The Stoning of Soraya M., currently in theatres, and family film Snowmen, starring Ray Liotta and Christopher Lloyd, now in post.