Johnny Depp is set to produce an upcoming documentary about legendary Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan.

Helmed by British filmmaker Julien Temple, the feature documentary describes MacGowan as a man with a "seemingly effortless facility for writing lyrics to some of the world's most listened to songs including Fairytale of New York, capturing the spirit of Ireland whilst on his own very personal voyage into the heart of darkness."

Temple will reportedly share unseen footage of the artist from his own archives mixed with specially commissioned animations from Jonny Halifax and Welsh illustrator Ralph Steadman.

Speaking about the biopic, 56-year-old Depp said in a statement: "Knowing Shane for 30 years, I am honoured to be producing the definitive film on both my friend and one of the most important artists and beloved poets of the 20th century."

Temple, who has won acclaim for his films on The Sex Pistols and The Strypes: Best Thing Since Cavan, added: "It's not the easiest thing to make a film about Shane MacGowan. The nearest thing I can think of is one of those David Attenborough films.

"You set the camera traps. You wait and you wait, in the hope that one day the snow leopard will trigger them.

"Then when you do actually capture the unique force of Shane’s personality, even for a moment onscreen, you realize it was all worthwhile."

In December, the Late Late Show celebrated the legendary musician. The Pogues legend and his wife Victoria Mary Clarke were joined by family and friends as the Late Late showcased MacGowan's genius as a songwriter.