Following the huge success of "Lee Daniels' "The Butler," Forest Whitaker is in final negotiations to write, direct, and star in Lionsgate's adaptation of best-selling Christian novel, The Shack.

The William P. Young novel is based on the story that follows a man whose youngest daughter is abducted during a family vacation. Evidence found in an abandoned shack lead authorities to believe she was murdered. Four years later, the man receives a note, signed Papa, his wife's nickname for God, inviting him back to the shack. Against his better judgment he accepts the invitation and found himself in the presence of God, and a life-transforming journey of truth, forgiveness, and ultimately acceptance.

The book was a global hit after it was self-published in 2007. John Fusco, who wrote the screenplay for Oscar nominated animation, "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron," is writing the movie. The rights to the novel were acquired by Summit Entertainment in 2013 and is being produced by Gill Netter, and Brad Cummings.

Lionsgate Motion Picture president Michael Paseornek will oversee The Shack with Matthew Janzen and Bree Bailey. Whitaker is looking to be a part of the film in front, and behind the camera.

The famous actor has previously directed, "Waiting to Exhale" and "Hope Floats," but this would be the first time he would star in, direct, and write a film. Whitaker had a strong 2013 with, "The Butler" and faith based film the, "Black Nativity."

The book has garnered a lot of praise as well as criticism. Some have said it is enlightening, helpful, and healing while others have said it is heretical, blasphemous, and controversial. The book, which is a fictitious piece, has been used as a ministry tool not so much in a theological sense, but to help people pursue an intimate relationship with God.