Adam Driver takes the lead on Michael Mann's Ferrari movie

It's been a long old while since we got a film from the great Michael Mann. The director of Heat, The Insider and Collateral is famed for his broodingly atmospheric and violent thrillers and his singular touch has been much missed. Well, film fans can rejoice in the news that Mann's long-proposed Ferrari movie is about to roar into life, with the versatile Adam Driver in the, erm, driver's seat.

The Last Duel and House of Gucci star is set to portray the legendary Enzo Ferrari, one of the world's most infamous car manufacturers, confirms Variety. The film is adapted from Brock Yates' book Enzo Ferrari – The Man And The Machine and will explore a pivotal period in Ferrari's life, starting in 1957 where he's found mourning the death of his son, Enzo.

With his marriage in crisis and bankruptcy nipping at his heels, Ferrari decides to participate in the 1,000-mile-long Mille Miglia race across Italy. We suppose that's always a handy way of escaping one's demons. Parallel Mothers' Penelope Cruz is set to portray Enzo's wife Laura and Divergent's Shailene Woodley portrays his mistress, Lina Lardi.

Given that Mann turned a street shootout into a symphonic masterclass in Heat, we can only imagine the automotive majesty set to emanate from the big screen in his latest movie. It also promises to be a fine showcase for Driver, one of the world's most exciting and dynamic young actors.

Mann says: "Being able to have these wonderfully talented artists, actors Adam Driver, Penélope Cruz and Shailene Woodley, bring to life these unique characters on location in Modena and the Emilia-Romagna is a vision fulfilled.”

The film is set to begin shooting in Italy this spring with a release date TBC. Stay tuned to the Cineworld blog for more details.