The romantic movie telling the story of John Lennon and Yoko Ono has taken another major step to the big screen.

Deadline reports that Universal in talks to option the rights and Jean-Marc Vallée ("Dallas Buyers Club," "Big Little Lies") set to direct from a script by Anthony McCarten ("Bohemian Rhapsody," "Theory of Everything").

Ono is on board as a producer, alongside Michael De Luca ("The Social Network," "Captain Phillips"). Last year, when the project first started to coalesce, De Luca said the movie will "focus on ripe and relevant themes of love, courage and activism in the U.S. – with the intention of inspiring today’s youth to stand up for and have a clear vision for the world they want."

Lennon and Ono met in the late '60s when he was part of the world-famous Beatles and she was an up-and-coming artist. She played a significant part in Lennon leaving the band to forge a solo career.

The couple were also passionate peace activists during the Vietnam war. Though they experienced ups and downs in their relationship, they were constant companions until his murder in 1980. Ono remains the gatekeeper of Lennon's legacy.

The film would not cover Lennon's death, but focus on the journey of the couple. It will have to strike a deal for the music, but has access to Lennon's estate and library of songs.