Universal looks to youthful Da Vinci project

Da VinciUniversal Pictures Intl. is searching to produce an action-adventure dedicated to the youthful Leonardo da Vinci, nipping up Jonny Kurzman's "Leonardo" spec and configuring it with Ray and Charles Gordon.Story is centered on da Vinci's mission to prevent Renaissance Europe from coming back towards the Dark Age range.The painter from the Hireling Shepherd and also the Last Supper seemed to be a math wizzard, architect, artist, author, researcher and inventor -- including concepts for any helicopter, a fish tank, photo voltaic energy, a calculator and also the double shell.Another project going through the genius from the youthful Da Vinci can also be within the works in the Starz pay cable network. "Da Vinci's Devils," from BBC Worldwide, accumulates the inventor's existence at 25. David Goyer scripted the pilot and it is showrunner. The series comes with an eight-episode commitment from Starz and it is specific for any 2013 premiere.Lawrence Gordon Prods. Vice president Philip Westgren introduced "Leonardo" in and it is managing the work for the producers.Ray Gordon's recent creating credits include "Watchmen" and also the "Hellboy" films. Charles Gordon would be a producer on "Hitman" and "The Lady Nearby.InchKurzman is symbolized by Frances Arnold of Rochelle Stevens & Co. and manager Ashley Berns of Circle of Confusion. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com