Los Angeles - 'Whiplash' helmer Damien Chazelle is in contention to direct a film on the life of Neil Armstrong, the first man who walked on the moon.

Developed by Universal, the biopic has been scripted by Josh Singer ('The Fifth Estate'), reprotedly.

It is based on the book 'First Man: A Life of Neil A. Armstrong' written by James Hansen who had full access to Armstrong's family as well as NASA when he penned it.

The project has been developed for years. At one point, it was set up at Warner Bros with Clint Eastwood attached to direct and produce. No actor has been announced for the biopic.

Chazelle will work on the film after he completes musical 'La La Land' for Lionsgate. His 'Whiplash' star Miles Teller is set to play the lead role along with Emma Watson. (PTI)