July 16, 2014 - 13:33 AMT
Christian Bale to topline "Travis McGee" mystery book adaptation

Christian Bale is in early talks to reteam with director James Mangold for Travis McGee, Fox’s adaptation of the John D. MacDonald mystery-adventure books, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Leonardo DiCaprio and his Appian Way banner are producing.

The talks with Bale are in the very earliest of stages and the studio has not made him an offer for the role. But he discussed the role with Mangold, who directed him in 2007’s 3:10 to Yuma, and sources say he is keen to do it.

The script is based on MacDonald’s 1964 mystery novel The Deep Blue Good-by. DiCaprio was at one point poised to star in the adaptation.

The character, a free-wheeling bachelor living on a house boat, acts as a self-proclaimed "salvage consultant."