Tom Cruise to face Denzel Washington in 'Matarese'

Tom Cruise is in talks to star in David Cronenberg's upcoming adaptation of Robert Ludlum’s political thriller “The Matarese Circle."

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Cruise would jump into the role of Russian spy Vasili Taleniekov, who's the biggest enemy of American intelligence operative Brandon Scofield (Denzel Washington).

Derek Haas, Michael Brandt and Cronenberg worked on the script, which follows these two men as they are forced to launch into a collaboration to put and end to a political conspiracy run by an organization called the Matarese.

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

Cruise last starred in Bryan Singer's "Valkyrie," in which he delivered a decent enough performance. But another big blockbuster certainly wouldn't hurt.

Washington also has several projects coming up, including "The Book of Eli" and "The Taking of Pelham 123." As for Cronenberg, he recently directed the excellent "Eastern Promises."

Adrien Brody seeks thrills in ‘The Courier’

Adrien Brody is set to play the lead role in Russell Mulcahy’s upcoming action thriller “The Courier.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film follows an adventurous courier who’s trying to deliver a briefcase to a crime boss who can’t be located.

Mulcahy, whose credits include “Resident Evil: Extinction,” is directing a script by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, the screenwriting duo behind “Wanted” and “3:10 to Yuma.”

Brody last starred in Wes Anderson’s “The Darjeeling Limited.” He will next be seen in “The Brothers Bloom,” followed “Cadillac Records” and “Splice.”

Final word: Brody delving further into the action genre? Hey, why not!