Sam Mendes to direct '1917' for Steven Spielberg's Amblin

Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes is all set to direct World War I drama "1917".

The project is backed by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Partners, with Universal Pictures distributing, the studio said in a statement posted on Facebook.

The film marks a reunion for Mendes and Steven Spielberg-led Amblin Partners.

The 52-year-old director made his first feature, "American Beauty", under the DreamWorks Pictures label, followed by two other DreamWorks productions - "Road to Perdition" and "Revolutionary Road".

"I couldn't be happier to be back working with Amblin and Steven Spielberg again, alongside Donna Langley and all at Universal. I've been working on this script for over a year, so it's very exciting to start making the movie itself a reality," Mendes said in the statement.

Mendes, who has penned the script with Krysty Wilson-Cairns, will also produce the film along with Pippa Harris, his producing partner at Neal Street Productions.

"Our company has been a home for Sam since his first film. I am so happy to have him back here in his old room spinning new stories especially this hugely daring and ambitious new movie," Spielberg said.

The production on the project will start in April 2019 and makers are looking for December next year.

Mendes also directed the last two James Bond films -- "Skyfall" and "Spectre".