Glen Powell is set to headline an upcoming firefighter drama directed by Ron Howard for Amazon MGM Studios. The film, which remains untitled, is based on an original pitch from screenwriter Christina Hodson and was acquired preemptively by the studio.

The story centres on two childhood friends, now accomplished firefighters, who are forced to confront both their past and a wave of deadly wildfires sweeping across Texas. As they battle the flames, tensions rise and their long-standing relationship is put to the test.

Howard will produce the film alongside Brian Grazer and Jeb Brody for Imagine Entertainment. Powell will also serve as a producer through his Barnstorm banner, alongside Dan Cohen. Hodson will executive produce.

The project reunites Howard with the world of firefighting after his acclaimed 1991 film Backdraft, a genre staple starring Kurt Russell and William Baldwin.

Powell, who has seen a meteoric rise over the past year, recently starred in the blockbuster Twisters and Richard Linklater’s acclaimed Netflix film Hit Man, which he also co-wrote and produced. He’s currently attached to multiple high-profile projects, including Edgar Wright’s The Running Man remake, A24’s Huntington, and J J Abrams’ next feature at Warner Bros. He also leads the upcoming Hulu series Chad Powers.

Meanwhile, Hodson’s writing credits include Bumblebee, Birds of Prey, and The Flash, establishing her as one of the most in-demand screenwriters in the action and adventure space.