Sylvester Stallone (DVDs), 59 years young, rippling like a thread vein and with the complexion of a boiled sweet. The man who would be Rambo is ready to take on the might of The Raven.

Horror scribe and critic Edgar Allen Poe (DVDs), arguably one of the most gifted writers ever to have slapped thought to paper, is reputedly having his life story transferred to the big screen.

Rather brilliantly Robert Downey Jr. (DVDs) has been pencilled in for the title role while Stallone is all set to direct from his own screenplay.

The Rocky writer and star (who apparently completed the boxing crowd pleaser script in just one weekend) holds up a Poe movie as his dream project.

“I’m writing about Edgar Allen Poe and his child bride, Virginia.” Stallone told Roger Ebert way back in 1977.

“Only I’ll make it about the genius of Poe, and not about the reality. About his spirit. Who wants the caustic realities of real life when fantasy is so much better?”

This may not sound like the movie anyone was expecting or hoping for, but let’s not forget that a lot has happened to Sly in 28 years. Stop Or My Mom Will Shoot (DVDs) for one.

So far Stallone’s only directing credits have been Staying Alive (DVDs), a high-camp sequel to Saturday Night Fever (DVDs), and three of the worst Rocky films.

It’s not Clint Eastwood’s roll call, but then again it’s not Arnold Schwarzenegger’s either.

Though with Christmas in Connecticut (DVDs) and an episode of Tales From the Crypt being Sly’s only competition that’s about as credible as beating a five-year old at football.

‘Another step before my fall, and the world had seen me no more.’ wrote Poe in The Pit and the Pendulum.

Heed it, Stallone. Step away from The Contender and put your hands up. Then get cracking on this Poe movie quick sharp.

And for pity’s sake do it before Rambo 4, please. Nobody needs to see your nipples anymore.

[story by Chris Laverty]