Heinlein's 1966 sci-fi novel centers on about a lunar colony's revolt against rule from Earth. The novel was nominated for the 1966 Nebula award (honoring the best sci-fi and fantasy work in the U.S.) and won the Hugo Award for best science fiction novel in 1967.

An adaptation has been attempted twice before — by DreamWorks, which had a script by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, and by Phoenix Pictures, with Harry Potter producer David Heyman attached — but both languished and the rights reverted to Heinlein's estate.

Several of Heinlein's novels have been adapted for the big and small screen, including the 1953 film Project Moonbase, the 1994 TV miniseries Red Planet, the 1994 film The Puppet Masters, and — very loosely — the 1997 film Starship Troopers.

Singer will next helm X-Men: Apocalypse for the studio. The superhero franchise film is now in preproduction, with plans to begin shooting in April. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Oscar Isaac and Michael Fassbender, Apocalypse is set for release on May 27, 2016.

Singer, who previously directed X-Men: Days of Future Past, is repped by WME and Bloom Hergott.