The trend of filmmakers coming to TV is not just an American movement, it seems. Italian director Paolo Sorrentino (Il Divo) is in the process of making his first television series, The Young Pope.

According to THR, the series will revolve around a fictional American pope who becomes the most conservative "the Vatican has ever seen" (really? Does the Inquisition count?) In other words, this isn't going to be the fun and games of a Borgia pope.

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The latest news for the series is that Jude Law is in talks to star in the production as said young pope. It's worth nothing that he has played an American (and been nominated for Oscars) in Cold Mountain and The Talented Mr. Ripley, although his accent has been known to waver …

The series is being produced in conjunction with Sky Italia, but will be an English language series. Though Law's role has not yet been confirmed, we will update you when and if that happens (so get your white smoke ready).

The Young Pope will begin production at Italy's Cinecitta Studios in July.