Christian Bale is reportedly the frontrunner to star opposite Jennifer Lawrence in The Ends of the Earth, Digital Spy said.

It was confirmed last month that Lawrence would reunite with her Silver Linings Playbook director David O Russell on the romantic drama, which is penned by Argo writer Chris Terrio.

The Daily Mail now reports that Russell is keen for Bale to play the male lead opposite Lawrence, with other contenders including Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon.

The Ends of the Earth tells the true story of oil tycoon Ernest Marland, who loses his empire after being caught in an affair, with the lead character being his 20-year-old adopted daughter Lydie (Lawrence).

Lawrence and Bale are also set to co-star in another of Russell's upcoming projects, a currently untitled political drama centring on 1970s FBI sting operation Abscam.