Octavia Spencer is in the last stages of negotiations to play God in a film adaptation of the best-selling novel 'The Shack', Variety reports.

The 2007 book, by Christian author William P Young, has sold more than 18 million copies worldwide, and has been translated into 39 languages.

It tells the story of a man battling with his faith after the abduction and suspected murder of his youngest daughter. Four years after her abduction, he receives a note from God telling him to return to the derelict shack where evidence pointing to his daughter's death was found. The book's depiction of the Trinity subverts traditional western interpretations, particularly as 'Papa', the representation of God the Father, is a black woman.

Spencer won an Academy Award for her role in the 2011 film The Help, and has since completed a number of projects, of which her role in the film 'Black or White' has been her most acclaimed.

The film will be directed by British filmmaker Stuart Hazeldine, and is his second feature film project.

Lionsgate acquired the rights to the film in 2013, and filming is expected to begin this spring.