Book adaptation “The Aftermath” has been acquired by Fox Searchlight with Keira Knightley and Alexander Skarsgard in negotiations to play the leading roles, TheWrap reports.

Based on a Rhidian Brook international bestseller, the film is being produced out of Ridley Scott‘s Scott Free.

James Kent (“Testament of Youth) is directing. Ridley Scott is producing.

The story takes place in Germany during the post-war era in 1946.

As of Tuesday, August 16, Knightley was also in talks to play the Sugar Plum Fairy in Disney’s upcoming live-action version of “The Nutcracker.”

The British actress’ work on the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise marks her longstanding relationship with Disney.

Meanwhile, her next film is the New Line dramatic comedy “Collateral Beauty,” also with Will Smith and Kate Winslet. It opens in December.

Skarsgard stars in Duncan Jones‘ first project after “Warcraft,” the mystery thriller “Mute,” which is currently listed on IMDb as in pre-production.