Zwick will direct WWII drama

Daniel Craig will take the lead role in "Defiance," a World War II drama from that master of socially conscious action epics Ed Zwick.

The "Blood Diamond" and "Last Samurai" director is also writing "Defiance," which focuses on on Jewish resistance fights in Nazi-occupied Poland. The script, focusing on four Polish brothers who team up with Russian resistance fighters, is based on Nechama Tec's book.

According to Variety, Zwick hopes to have the $50 million picture ready to begin production by September, with Paramount Vantage in negotiations to direct.

If Zwick can make that September start, it would let him get a head-start on Craig's production schedule for "James Bond 22." Craig's 007 follow-up to the global smash "Casino Royale" is expected to start shooting at some point this winter in order to make a slated Nov. 22, 2008 release.

Zwick has previously built socially responsible dramas around wars in Africa, Japan, Iraq and the U.S. Civil War. This would be his first World War II drama.

As for Craig, he'll next be seen a pair of films with Nicole Kidman. He has the extensively retooled sci-fi drama "The Invasion" coming out this August and the literary adaptation "His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass" opening in December.