After the critical success of "There Will Be Blood," many cinefiles and those in the know have been curious where writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson would go next.  If everything comes together, Anderson's next will be an untitled drama based on the history of Scientology.

According to The Wrap, the script is loosely based on the life of Scientology L. Ron Hubbard re-dubbing him "The Master" and centers on his relationship with an alcoholic "drifter" who eventually becomes his trusted aide.  Philip Seymour Hoffman has signed on for The Master and Jeremy Renner is on board for the reformed drifter role.

Production Weekly reports that Reese Witherspoon is in talks to join the project.  It's unclear who Witherspoon would play, but having gotten a hold of the script (classy) The Wrap speculates it could be The Master's younger, pregnant wife Mary Sue (notably the same name of L. Ron Hubbard's spouse). Its also a smaller role that would allow Witherspoon to fit the film into her busy schedule.  The Oscar-winner is currently shooting the fantasy drama "Water for Elephants" with Robert Pattinson.

Production on the independently financed project is expected to begin next month.