Anthony Hopkins is going to play Russell Crowe's grandfather in "Noah."
"The Silence of the Lambs" Oscar-winner will take on the part of Methuselah in Darren Aronofsky's biblical epic, a spokeswoman for Paramount Pictures told TheWrap.
Aronofsky himself broke the news on Twitter Monday morning.
For those needing an Old Testament brush-up, Methuselah is the oldest person in the Hebrew Bible, clocking in at 969 years. His death postponed the great flood by seven days; a reprieve that God allowed in recognition of his strong moral character. He is Noah's (Crowe) grandfather.
Also read: Russell Crowe Comes Aboard Darrell Aronofsky's 'Noah'
In addition to Crowe, the big-budget film stars Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Ray Winstone, Logan Lerman and presumably a whole lot of animals.
The screenplay, which tracks the construction of the Ark and the planet-wide flooding, was written by Aronofsky, Ari Handel and John Logan.
New Regency and Paramount are partnering on the production, which will be released on March 28, 2014.
Hopkins will next play Alfred Hitchcock in "Hitchcock," a drama about the shooting of "Psycho."