It is reported that an €80m biopic of Irish king Brian Boru will be made in Ireland next year.



The Irish Independent describes Boru as "the biggest movie ever made on Irish shores" and says details of the production will be officially announced in the coming weeks.



The film will be directed and produced by its writer, Mark Mahon from Cork.

It is based on the new graphic novel Freedom within the Heart.



Mahon said of the story: "At the time, the country was being pillaged and destroyed, and it took one man with a vision – ultimately that's all it does take. It's a good comparison to what's happening today. And I believe if you look at our history we are a nation of people who will overcome."

The paper says that "epic battle scenes" will be filmed at a number of locations, including the Cliffs of Moher.



"We have a couple of big names in mind for the lead but we do plan on using as much big Irish talent as possible for the main characters," added Mahon.