Timur Bekmambetov, the director of Night Watch, Day Watch and this summer's Wanted, is to join up with Marc Platt Productions to produce a medieval horror movie centred around The Knights Templar for Universal Pictures.

The warriors, who according to legend were sworn to protect the Holy Grail, feature in a script by Adam Torchia and Justin Stanley, based on a concept by the late Ian Rothkerch. Fresh from fighting in the Crusades, the Knights face an invading army of vampires who need to destroy the Grail.

No director or stars have yet been attached to the project.