"Twilight" star Robert Pattinson and Sean Penn may hook up with Reese Witherspoon for Francis Lawrence's upcoming drama "Water for Elephants," which Fox 2000 is prepping for a June start.

Variety says the two are in talks to star in the film about a veterinary student (Pattinson) who quits school after the death of his parents and joins the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.

Witherspoon is set to play the circus' equestrian star, who is married to an animal trainer (Penn). The film is based on the book by Sara Gruen. Richard LaGravenese ("Freedom Writers") is writing the script.

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Here are some cool film news you really shouldn't miss on this July 28, 2009:

• Richard Linklater is in final negotiations to direct "Liars (A-E)" for Miramax. Emma Forrest wrote the script, which follows a woman who stumbles across lost items from her ex-boyfriends on her way to Barack Obama's inauguration. Kat Dennings is attached to play a supporting character. (Variety)

• Richard LaGravenese, director of the decent "Freedom Writers" and the horrible "P.S. I Love You," is in talks to write and direct "Man and Wife" for Universal. The love story centers on an immigrant's love for the U.S., accoring to Variety.

• Joe Morton, Daniella Alonso (pictured above) and John Fiore have signed on to star in Mark Heller's "The Mulberry Tree," Written by Louis Crugnali, the film centers on a convicted murderer seeking redemption via conversations with a young man. (The Hollywood Reporter)

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