Sylvester Stallone is tipped to direct "Poe," a film he wrote about the life of Edgar Allan Poe. Production is scheduled to begin in Europe this Fall reports Variety.

The life of the legendary 19th century American poet and short story writer has long fascinated Stallone, who has been nurturing this project for years. He completed the screenplay for the film in 2002, but the project did not come together until this week. Robert Downey Jr. is Stallone's choice for the leading role. Nu Image/Millennium Films will finance, produce and distribute.

Considered the father of the Gothic horror tale, Poe's life is rich with its own eerie details. He suffered from madness, depression and drugs, and was mysteriously found dead in a gutter in 1849. Among his most famous works were "The Raven", "The Telltale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher."

Thanks to 'Niggy'.