Universal Pictures is near a deal for Christopher Nolan ("Batman Begins", "Memento") to direct a feature version of TV series classic "The Prisoner" reports Variety.

Janet and David Peoples ("Twelve Monkeys", "Blade Runner", "Unforgiven") are set to write the script based on the series, which lasted only 17 episodes in 1967. Despite its short length, it has developed a huge cult following in the subsequent near four decades its been off air.

Patrick McGoohan played a government agent who resigns, is kidnapped and placed on an isolated island known as the Village. He's given a new identity -- Number Six -- and interacts with an island staff trying to get him to reveal why he resigned.

Plan is for Nolan to direct a contemporized transformation after he completes work "The Dark Knight," the "Batman Begins" sequel that begins production early next year at Warner Bros. Pictures. Nolan's next film, "The Prestige", hits theatres in October.