Filmmaker Pierre Morel is in negotiations to direct Relativity Media’s “Hunter-Killer,” a script written by producer Arne Schmidt, according to Variety.
 
The trade says Schmidt, who produced “We Were Soldiers” and “xXx,” submitted the script under the pseudonym Ed Arnett.

Based on the novel “Firing Point” by Don Keith and George Wallace, the plot follows an American sub commander and a Navy SEAL team that head out to protect the Russian president and stop a ruthless admiral from executing a coup.

Morel’s directing credits include “Taken” and “Banlieue 13.” He also worked as cinematographer on “War,” “Danny the Dog” and “The Transporter.”

Morel is currently in France shooting “From Paris With Love,” a thriller starring John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.