This movie is based upon the tenth novel, "The Far Side of the World" in the "Master and Commander" series by Patrick O'Brian, which started in 1969, inspiring 20 installments, all set during the early 19th century Napoleonic Wars, following the high seas adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey and his ship surgeon Stephen Maturin (also a spy).

If this first film is successful, it could easily become the first in a long series of adaptations. Author Patrick O'Brian died in January, 2000 at the age of 85. The adventures of Aubrey and his ship, Sophie, in Master and Commander are based upon Lord Cochrane's ship, Speedy. (3/7/02) It's been confirmed that the ship will actually be the HMS Surprise, which debuted in the 3rd novel of the same name.

Read more from the Yahoo Movies site.