Steven Spielberg has chosen to direct "War Horse," a story about a boy and his horse set during World War I, according to Variety. Disney and DreamWorks are planning to release the movie Aug. 10, 2011.

Michael Morpurgo wrote the book War Horse, which follows a farm horse named Joey who is sold to the British army through war battles as the boy who loves him tries to reunite with his friend. It has already been made into a stage play in London. Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Revel Guest will produce the film version. Kennedy and Marshall also produced the movie "Seabiscuit" about the famous racehorse of the 1930s.

Several of Spielberg's earlier projects, such as "Saving Private Ryan" and "Schindler's List," have dealt with World War II. He reportedly wanted to make War Horse into a movie as soon as he read the book.

"Its heart and its message provide a story that can be felt in every country," Spielberg told Variety