Gary Oldman is reportedly hoping to develop a new movie about 19th century photographer and inventor Eadweard Muybridge, which the actor will direct.

TheWrap.com reports Oldman has recruited fellow Brits Ralph Fiennes and Benedict Cumberbatch for Flying Horse, which is inspired by the book River of Shadows: Eadweard Muybridge and the Technological Wild West.

The film will be Oldman's second feature as a director - his debut was 1997's Nil By Mouth. He also took charge of 2012 concert movie Jack White: Unstaged.

Muybridge, who is considered the "father of the motion picture", appears to be a popular subject in Hollywood right now - Lord of the Rings star Andy Serkis is also attached to a project about him.

Oldman's film revolves around the photographer and his battle with a love rival, who had an affair with his wife Flora.

Reports suggest Fiennes will play Muybridge and Cumberbatch, who appeared alongside Oldman in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, will take on the role of the theatre critic killed by the jealous photographer.