A star is in talks.

Bradley Cooper is interested in Guillermo del Toro's upcoming "Nightmare Alley" adaptation. The actor-director is in early talks to join the Fox Searchlight project, Variety reports. He'd fill a role that Leonardo DiCaprio previously circled, per the publication.

"Nightmare Alley" is based on the 1946 novel of the same name by William Lindsey Gresham. The book was first adapted to film not long after it was published. Edmund Goulding's 1947 film "Nightmare Alley" starred Tyrone Power and Joan Blondell. Del Toro is directing the new film and he wrote the script with Kim Morgan. It follows the unique path of an ambitious and corrupt carny named Stan Carlisle.

Cooper has reportedly received an offer, but Variety's sources say it's unclear if he'll reach a deal. His star power has been rising in recent years as he's had success with high-profile projects such as MCU films and his "A Star Is Born" remake. He also recently starred in "The Mule" and "War Dogs."

Del Toro has to finalize the cast in the coming months. Production is slated to begin this fall. The director is producing alongside TSG Entertainment's J. Miles Dale.

[via: Variety]