Leading British producer Jeremy Thomas (Crash, The Last Emperor) has confirmed that he is working on a project about North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il.

A Kim Jong-Il Production!, which Thomas describes as “a dramatised film noir,” will be directed by Paul Berczeller.

Currently still in development, it will be made through Thomas’ Recorded Picture Company and sold by sister outfit HanWay.

Thomas won’t reveal much about the plot other than to say that the denouement will take place in Vienna.

Kim Jong-Il has featured in western films before, most notoriously when the North Korean dictator was caricatured in Trey Parker’s animated movie, Team America: World Police.

A Kim Jong-Il Production! is one of a number of films that Thomas is currently preparing. Kon-Tiki is currently shooting in Malta. Meanwhile, JG Ballard adaptation High Rise, to be directed by Vincenzo Natali, is in pre-production.

During Cannes, it was revealed that Thomas would be working with Jim Jarmusch on his forthcoming vampire film.