Los Angeles, Dec 29 (IANS): Filmmaker Christopher Nolan will direct the upcoming film “Dunkirk”, which focuses on the evacuation of the retreating British troops from the beaches of the northern French city during World War II.

According to sources, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh and Tom Hardy are in talks to join the cast of the film, reports variety.com.

Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner and wife, Emma Thomas.

Nolan and his casting department earlier began testing teenagers in London for lead roles, but the director also wanted to nail down some choices for the few adult roles in the film before the holiday.

“We are thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Christopher Nolan, a singular filmmaker who has created some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of all time,” said Greg Silverman, president, Creative Development and Worldwide Production. 

“‘Dunkirk’ is a gripping and powerful story and we are excited to see Chris, Emma and their cast realise it on the big screen,” Silverman added.

Warner Bros. is looking to release the film on July 21, 2017. Shooting will begin in May next year using many of the real locations of the true-life events, which form the background for the story.