Steven Spielberg is planning a remake of 'The Grapes of Wrath'.

The filmmaker and movie studio DreamWorks are in talks with late author John Steinbeck's estate about producing a new big screen version of his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which was first made into a film by John Ford in 1940.

According to Deadline.com, Spielberg beat Robert Redford to the rights. The actor and his Sundance banner were hoping to turn 'The Grapes of Wrath' into a miniseries with the help of 'Dark Shadows' producer David Kennedy for the FX network.

The original movie scooped seven Oscar nominations, including a Best Director win for Ford and the Best Supporting Actress prize for actress Jane Darwell.

The classic tale follows the tribulations of the Joad family, a clan of tenant farmers who are forced to move off their land in Oklahoma because of tough economic times. They move to California only to be faced with extreme poverty and hunger during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Spielberg has often cited Ford as one of his biggest influences, so the project comes as no surprise.

The new adaptation would also tie in with the 75th anniversary of Steinbeck's timeless novel next year.

It was initially rumoured the 'Lincoln' filmmaker would be directing the project, but DreamWorks insist he will be taking on a producing role.

Spielberg will next step behind the camera to helm 'American Sniper' with Bradley Cooper.