Sean Penn may board Universal's 'Cartel'

Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Penn is in negotiations to star in Universal's upcoming drama "Cartel."

According to Variety, the plot follows Ed Marker, who embarks on a dangerous mission to protect his son after his wife is killed in the world of Mexican cartels.

Asger Leth ("Ghosts of Cité Soleil") is directing a script by Peter Craig. The trade said the project was originally planned as a remake of "La scorta," a 1993 Italian flick.

Penn was last seen in "Milk," for which he received an Oscar. He's got several other projects in development, including Terrence Malick's "The Tree of Life" and possibly Doug Liman's Valerie Plame drama "Fair Game."

"Cartel" may head into production this summer. The project marks Leth's feature film debut.