Javier Bardem to star in Iñárritu's 'Biutiful'

Javier Bardem has signed on to star in Alejandro González Iñárritu's upcoming Spanish drama “Biutiful.”

According to Variety, the film centers on a man embroiled in shady dealings who is confronted by a childhood friend, now a policeman.

“Biutiful” markes Iñárritu’s first project without screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga. The two ended their professional relationship after launching into a writing credits dispute over “Babel.”

Iñárritu's credits include “21 Grams” and “Amores perros.” He was nominated for two Academy Awards for “Babel” in 2007.

As for Bardem, he was last seen in Woody Allen’s “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” He picked up his Oscar earlier this year for his legendary performance in “No Country for Old Men.”

Final word: A kick-ass director teaming up with a badass actor? Bring it on!