Washington, Oct 11 (ANI): Will Smith has signed on to star in Columbia Pictures' "Empire".

Screenplay for the drama will be penned by John Logan with Michael Mann in the director's seat.

Though Columbia and the principals would not comment on the plot of the movie, sources revealed that Smith will be playing the role of a contemporary global media mogul.

Mann will be producing the pic through his Forward Pass along with Smith and James Lassiter's Overbrook Entertainment shingle, reports Variety.

Smith and Mann have previously worked together on "Ali'.

"Empire" will also see Mann reteaming with "Gladiator" scribe Logan. They developed "The Aviator" together when Mann planned to direct that picture before handing it to Martin Scorsese to helm and producing the drama.

Smith next stars in the Warner Bros. drama "I Am Legend," which opens Dec. 14 in the US. (ANI)