Kevin Macdonald catches 'Eagle of the Ninth'

Filmmaker Kevin Macdonald, whose crime thriller "State of Play" is set to open April 17, 2009, is set to direct "The Eagle of the Ninth" for Focus Features.

Variety says the story is set in the 2nd century and follows a wounded Roman solider and his Celtic slave who investigate the mysterious disappearance of a brigade of Roman soldiers 15 years earlier.

Jamie Bell is on-board to play the slave, while Channing Tatum is apparently in talks for the lead role. Jeremy Brock, who also penned Macdonald's "The Last King of Scotland," wrote the script.

Macdonald also directed the intriguing documentary "Touching the Void." His "State of Play" featues a top-notch cast including Russell Crow, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams and Helen Mirren.