David Cronenberg is in talks to helm the big-screen adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s political thriller “The Matarese Circle,” according to Variety.

Denzel Washington may star in the project, which is set against the backdrop of the Cold War and follows an American and a Soviet who team up to foil a plot to topple the world’s governments.

Cronenberg is directing a screenplay by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas.

Ludlum also wrote the popular Jason Bourne novels, which were successfully adapted into three excellent big-screen action blockbusters.

Cronenberg, who usually does not take on genres such as this one, most recently directed “Eastern Promises.” Other recent films include “A History of Violence” and “Spider.”

As for Washington, he was last seen in “The Great Debaters.” He has several projects coming up, including “The Taking of Pelham 123” and “The Book of Eli.”