Anthony Hopkins is going to play Russell Crowe’s grandfather in “Noah.”

    “The Silence of the Lambs” Oscar winner will take on the part of Methuselah in Darren Aronofsky’s biblical epic, a spokeswoman for Paramount Pictures told TheWrap.

    Aronofsky himself broke the news on Twitter on Monday morning.

    For those needing an Old Testament brushup*, Methuselah is the oldest person in the Hebrew Bible, clocking in at 969 years. His death postponed the great flood by seven days; a reprieve* that God allowed in recognition of his strong moral character. He is Noah’s grandfather.

    In addition to Crowe, the big-budget film stars Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Ray Winstone, Logan Lerman and presumably a whole lot of animals.

    The screenplay, which tracks the construction of the Ark and the planet-wide flooding, was written by Aronofsky, Ari Handel and John Logan.

    New Regency and Paramount are partnering on the production, which will be released on March 28, 2014.(SD-Agencies)