Fox looking to lock down Joel Edgerton for spy thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence

Written by Jason Matthews, the book centers on two modern-day intelligence officers: Russia’s Dominika Egorova and American CIA agent Nathaniel Nash. The two operatives’ paths cross when Dominika, a trained seductress, is assigned to work against Nathaniel as he attempts to gather Russian intelligence. Complicating both of their jobs is the fact that they have a strong mutual attraction.

The role seems like a good fit for Edgerton, who, like his prospective co-star, has a string of credits in acclaimed films to his name. The Australian actor has amassed a large body of work over the years, including notable roles in Zero Dark Thirty, 2013’s The Great Gatsby, and Black Mass. He will next appear alongside Ruth Negga in Loving, which has already sparked buzz about possible Oscar contention.

While Edgerton is clearly talented in his own right, joining forces with Lawrence seems like a smart move. The actress has repeatedly drawn awards show attention for her work, as have her co-stars, which bodes well for Edgerton. The two would be directed by Francis Lawrence, who worked with Jennifer Lawrence on three of the four Hunger Games films.

The Red Sparrow script was written by American Hustle screenwriter Eric Warren, and then later rewritten by Justin Haythe, who penned 2013’s The Lone Ranger. The film is being produced by Chernin Entertainment, with Steve Zaillian and Garret Basch serving as executive producers.

A timeline for the thriller’s release has not yet been announced.