New Regency has acquired the rights for the big-screen adaptation of Josh Bazell's novel "Beat the Reaper," which hit store shelves Wednesday.

The story focuses on an emergency room doctor who runs into trouble when a mobster recognizes him from his former life as a hitman. Although the doctor went into the witness protection program, his past is now catching up with him.

Variety says Julie Yorn and Jennifer Davisson will produce with Leonardo DiCaprio, who is also attached to star in the film.

DiCaprio can currently be seen in "Revolutionary Road," for which he snatched a Golden Globe nomination. He also recently completed filming for Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island."

DiCaprio has had quite the career boost over the past years. Films such as "The Departed" and "Blood Diamond" really brought him back to the very top.