After the actor starred in secondary roles in the Paul Thomas Anderson-directed films Boogie Nights (1997), Sydney (1996), Magnolia (1999) and Punch-Drunk Love (2002), he has been chosen to take the leading role in The Master. Anderson also wrote the screenplay for the film that has a 35-million-dollar budget.
Apparently, Universal Studios has not given the project the green light, says Variety.
Hoffman plays an intellectual, charismatic teacher who starts a religious organisation in 1952. The film follows his special relationship with Freddie, a young student who becomes his right-hand man. However, when the "master" decides to recruit more followers, Freddie begins to question the system.
The Master will be produced by Anderson JoAnn Sellar.
In the meantime, Philip Seymour Hoffman stars in the film Pirate Radio, which hit theatres on November 13. He will also be seen in Jack Goes Boating, a film which he directed. There is still no confirmed release date.