Catherine Hardwicke is in negotiations to direct "Nativity," New Line Cinema's look at the life of the Virgin Mary before the birth of Christ.

The studio wants Hardwicke for her ability to tell the story of Mary's life from a strong female perspective.

The studio picked up "Nativity" last month as a spec script from writer Mike Rich, who also is one of the writers of the upcoming "Invincible." Rich's screenplay follows Mary and Joseph's life before the birth of Christ as their love, faith and beliefs are tested. The script incorporates their departure from Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem and includes such biblical figures as King Herod, John the Baptist and the three kings from the Orient, among others.

"Nativity" is the latest Christian-themed project to be developed in hopes of reaching out to mainstream audiences.

Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," released in 2004, grossed more than $600 million worldwide and demonstrated the boxoffice appeal of such subjects.

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment recently acquired home video rights to Nu-Lite Entertainment's "Color of the Cross," directed by and starring Jean Claude La Marre as an African Jesus.

No producers are assigned to "Nativity" as of yet. The studio is eyeing a December release. Hardwicke approached cinematographer Elliot Davis on Friday about shooting the movie.

Toby Emmerich, Cale Boyter and Michael Disco are overseeing the project.

Hardwicke was a production designer on such films as "Tombstone," "Three Kings" and "Vanilla Sky" before she broke into directing with 2003's "thirteen," which she also co-wrote. Last year, the CAA-repped Hardwicke directed "Lords of Dogtown."

Davis is repped by Skouras.