LIAM NEESON has been picked by respected director John Woo to star in his newest film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Pre-production is due to start on Flying Tigers, a bilingual World War II “battle epic”, in China in September.

The film is reportedly based on a true story of a fighter squadron, serving under Lieutenant General Claire Chennault, which assisted the Chinese in fighting the Japanese  in World War II, beofre the US joined.

Woo says that he will work with the Creative Artists Agency and IMAX on the fim, which will cost an estimated $90m (€70m).

When asked who could play the leading role of General Chennault, Woo said:

It’s got to be a star but it’s hard to find the right one, because at that time Chennault was almost 50-years-old. Ideally, I’ve been thinking of Liam Neeson as the title [lead] actor.

The Creative Artists Agency has confirmed that it represents Neeson but declined to comment on whether he would be playing the role.

Shooting on Flying Tigers is due to begin in the spring.