Martin Scorsese has signed on to direct a documentary film about the life of Beatle George Harrison.

Harrison's widow Olivia, 59, will take on the role of one of the producers alongside US filmmaker Scorsese.

Surviving former Beatles Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are expected to participate, according to movie trade magazine Variety.

The film will cover the guitarist, songwriter and singer's time as one of the Fab Four, his move into the film world and his exploration of Eastern spiritual pursuits.

Scorsese, 64, famous for movies such as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas, said: "George Harrison's music and his search for spiritual meaning is a story that still resonates today and I'm looking forward to delving deeper."

Harrison's second wife Olivia said: "It would have given George great joy to know that Martin Scorsese has agreed to tell his story."

Scorsese has previously directed a documentary about music legend, Bob Dylan, and is due to release a film on the Rolling Stones, Shine A Light, next year.

After the split of The Beatles when he was 27 years old, Harrison enjoyed a successful solo music career. He also made his name as a film producer with Monty Python's Life of Brian in 1979, and later worked on The Long Good Friday, Time Bandits and Mona Lisa.

Harrison died of cancer at the age of 58 in 2001.

Harrison's family will be supplying materials for the as yet untitled film from their extensive archive.

Interviews and early production begin later this year, according to Variety, and the film is expected to take several years to complete.

The film will be edited by David Tedeschi, who worked with Scorsese on Shine A Light.

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