Christian Bale is in talks to star in The Creed of Violence for Universal Pictures and writer-director Todd Field (In the Bedroom).

The story is adapted from Boston Teran's novel, set during the 1910 Mexican Revolution. The plot follows Rawbone, a two-bit assassin, and John Lourdes, a Bureau of Investigation officer, who are forced to work together to penetrate the Mexican underworld. Christian Bale is in negotiations to play Rawbone, although there is no guarantee that a deal will be finalized.

We reported in October that Leonardo DiCaprio was offered both the Rawbone and John Lourdes roles. It isn't known if he is still in the mix to play the federal law man.

Todd Field is directing from his own screenplay, with Cross Creek Pictures' Brian Oliver producing with Michael De Luca. Universal Pictures will distribute, with Cross Creek Pictures financing and producing. The filmmakers are eyeing an early 2013 production start.