Ian Holm will play Pope John Paul II in the upcoming CBS biopic about the late pontiff. The four-hour mini-series is on track for a debut as early as November.

Holm will portray the elder Karol Wojtyla, starting with his election to the papacy; a younger Wojtyla has yet to be cast.

Some second unit footage as already been shot, with full lensing set to begin late next month in Italy and Poland.

Tentatively titled Pope John Paul II will follow the life of the man who would be pope from his days as a high school student in Poland through his death earlier this year. Historians for the Vatican have supervised the script and exclusive access has been granted to St. Peter´s Square and its surroundings.

Join us in the forum to talk about the feature. Variety hosts further information on the project.