Jonathan Pryce is being tipped to portray reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes in a new biopic.

The proposed film is based on the book Hughes: The Private Diaries, Letters And Memos by Howard Hack.

Memento director Christopher Nolan is adapting the book for the screen, and will also direct.

A string of Hollywood stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Nicolas Cage are all reported to be interested in making movies about the eccentric Hughes.

Welsh star Pryce has just finished playing Professor Higgins in the West End musical My Fair Lady.

A senior source told Ananova: "Though there are plenty of big box office names around wanting to get involved, Pryce has the talent to get Hughes across at different levels."