Cronenberg may be directing Denzel…

With the success of the ‘Bourne’ films and past successful adaptations, the next Robert Ludlum book-to-movie project is already in motion. ‘The Matarese Circle’ will be a new political thriller from MGM, who has already positioned Denzel Washington (American Gangster) to star. So, MGM has a near-guaranteed hit on their hands based simply on the star-power wielded by Washington. Now, it appears that cult director David Cronenberg (Eastern Promises) is in negotiations to direct the film. What does this mean? Cronenberg is not a filmmaker who panders to fluffy Hollywood films with weak plots. In other words, before even knowing much at all about the story, ‘The Matarese Circle’ is likely to be stellar.

[Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, book revolves around two men — one American, one Soviet — who must cooperate in order to foil a sinister plot to topple the world’s governments.] — Variety.com