Washington, Apr 5 : Hollywood actor Denzel Washington has reportedly been roped in to star in 'The Matarese Circle', which is based on the best-selling Robert Ludlum novel.

The film written by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas of Lionsgate's '3:10 to Yuma' fame revolves around two secret agents, an American and a Russian, who have to work together to fight a mysterious group of killers known as the Matarese.

However, the twist in the story comes as the agents Bradley Scofield and Vasili Taleniekov turn out to be nemeses for years, with each responsible for killing someone close to the other.

Sources have revealed that Washington would play Scofield. Veteran producers Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Nick Wechsler will produce the film.

Almost all the big studios have already heard at least a version of the plot, and many are keenly interested but still no deal had been struck as yet.

'Matarese' is certainly an attractive option for studios seeking a new franchise. In fact, this is the only other Ludlum creation to come up with a second book, 'The Matarese Countdown', which was published in 1997.