Sony Pictures has acquired "Empire," a drama that John Logan ("Gladiator," "The Aviator") will write for Michael Mann to direct and Will Smith to headline and produce through Overbrook Entertainment reports Variety.

Whilst plot details are being kept under wraps, word is that Smith will play a contemporary global media mogul. Mann and Smith previously teamed on "Ali", and both produced Smith's big summer 2008 project "Hancock".

Mann is in the process of locking down a film he'll direct early next year. Smith is presently in pre-production on "Seven Pounds" with "Pursuit of Happyness" director Gabriele Muccino.