In the wake of Warner Bros. moving forward with its film adaptation of Leonardo da Vinci’s young life, Universal is now producing its own biopic of the Renaissance artist and mathematician, Variety is reporting. The Universal spec, titled ‘Leonardo,’ which was written by Jonny Kurzman, will focus on da Vinci’s quest to stop Renaissance Europe from returning to the Dark Ages.

‘Watchmen’ and ‘Hellboy’ producer Larry Gordon will produce the action-adventure ‘Leonardo,’ which will reportedly also show some of da Vinci’s mechanical creations in use. Lawrence Gordon Prods. Vice President Philip Westgren secured ‘Leonardo’ for Universal, and will oversee the project for the producers.

‘Leonardo’ is just the latest adaptation of da Vinci’s life; besides the Warner Bros. film, the Italian inventor’s life is also being chronicled on the BBC Worldwide-produced Starz television series ‘Da Vinci’s Demons.’ ‘The Man of Steel’ writer David Goyer scripted the pilot for the cable network series, and will also serve as the showrunner for the series.

‘Da Vinci’s Demons,’ which starts following the scientist at age 25, is on the fast track to production, as Starz has given the show an eight-episode commitment. While the scripts for the two da Vinci movies are still in their early drafts, the show is tentatively scheduled to air in 2013.

Written by: Karen Benardello