Fox Searchlight and Chernin Entertainment have set up “Tolkien,” a pic in the vein of the J.M. Barrie biopic “Finding Neverland” that covers how author J.R.R. Tolkien came up with the world of Middle-earth in his “Lord of the Rings” books.

David Gleeson is penning the script with Chernin Entertainment producing. David Ready is overseeing for Chernin.

The story will contain various elements of how Tolkien created his books’ elaborate world, including his time as a soldier in World War I.

The Los Angeles Times broke the news. David Ready brought the project to Chernin and will oversee for the company.

Given how attractive “Neverland” was during the 2004-05 award season, it seems this project is a perfect fit for Fox Searchlight.

Gleeson is repped by CAA and Warren Dern.