If David O. Russell is remembered for anything beyond just his body of work, it will be on the long-lasting relationships he's forged along the way. Mark Wahlberg would be the first and most notable one, even if that seems to have fallen by the wayside. Lately, Russell has been sticking close to Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, and Jennifer Lawrence, all three appearing in his upcoming 'Abscam' drama. Lawrence will also be joining him for the period romantic drama, The Ends of the Earth, and now another prior collaborator may be coming aboard.
The Daily Mail drops a note that says Russell really wants Christian Bale for the film, taking on the role of 1920s oil tycoon Ernest Marland. The true story, scripted by Chris Terrio (Argo), has Jennifer Lawrence as Lydie Marland, who was adopted by her uncle Ernest and his wife when her real parents gave her up. The adoption is eventually annulled, with Lydie and Ernest marrying soon after, causing quite the nationwide scandal. The film follows Lydie and her controversial love to Ernest, their subsequent bankruptcy, then political aspirations.
Matt Damon, Johnny Depp, and Brad Pitt have also been mentioned as possibilities for the role, but obviously Russell wants someone he's more familiar with. Can't really blame him, considering the success he had with Bale on The Fighter. We'll see how Lawrence, Russell, and Bale work together when 'Abscam' begins rolling this month. [via ThePlaylist]
