The film will star
Screenwriter Jay Cocks, who penned "Gangs of New York" for Scorsese, wrote the adaptation of Endo's novel, which was published in 1966.
Scorsese, who has long been interested in exploring the nature of religious faith, first read the book more than two decades ago, when Archbishop Paul Moore sent it to him after a screening of the director's "The Last Temptation of Christ," according to a Variety interview last year.
Production on "Silence" is scheduled to begin in Taiwan later this year. A release date has not been set, though given the serious subject matter and big names attached, an awards-season-friendly release at the end of 2015 would seem reasonable if the film is ready in time.
"Silence" would be Scorsese's fourth film in a row to be released by Paramount, following
Follow @ogettell for movie news