Despite being behind the absolute mess that was CLASH OF THE TITANS, not only can Louis Leterrier find quite a bit of backing for potential projects, but he can fill those projects with some top-notch talent.

Variety is reporting that Melanie Laurent, who is currently being seen in theaters in BEGINNERS, is in talks to join Leterrier’s next film, NOW YOU SEE ME. The film will be a heist picture that follows a group of illusionists who steal things during the duration of their performances, and will co-star Jesse Eisenberg, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Olivia Wilde.

The outlet also mentions that Jake Gyllenhaal has passed on the project, so I guess you win some, and you lose some. While I have yet to see BEGINNERS, I am a huge fan of Laurent’s performance in INGLORIOUS BASTERDS, so her inclusion in this project definitely makes it all the more interesting.

Speaking of BASTERDS, the film’s director, Quentin Tarantino has found himself a new acting gig, of sorts. Franco Nero, star of the original DJANGO, has chatted with Box Office Magazine (via /Film), and revealed that while he doesn’t have a deal in place, Tarantino has the intention of taking up one of three bandit roles in the upcoming film, THE ANGEL, THE BRUTE, AND THE WISE. 

For a full read on Tarantino’s “letter of intent” of sorts, head over to BOM. The film sounds like a really cool project, a blend of John Huston and Sergio Leone, so while his schedule may conflict now that DJANGO UNCHAINED appears to be moving ahead full steam, this could be one hell of a turn for the director.