Joaquin Phoenix in Talks for Paul Thomas Anderson Untitled Religious Drama

PT Anderson’s untitled religious drama back from the dead.

Back in September 2010 it was revealed that Paul Thomas Anderson’s untitled religious drama was “postponed indefinitely.” Now thanks to heiress Megan Ellison the project is back in development and looking to fill out its cast.

Variety reports that Joaquin Phoenix is in early talks to join the drama, in a role previously linked to Jeremy Renner before the movie’s financial problems.

Originally titled ‘The Master,’ the Scientology-inspired religious project focuses on Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a charismatic intellectual who hatches a faith-based organization in America. Phoenix would play Freddie Sutton, an alcholic drifter who becomes his right-hand man only to begin questioning his manipulative mentor.

Anderson and his longtime producing partner JoAnne Sellar will produce through the former’s Ghoulardi Film Co., along with Ellison.