Denzel Washington is being eyed for a starring role in The Matarese Circle, based on a best-selling Robert Ludlum novel.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the story revolves around two secret agents -- an American and a Russian -- who must work together to fight a mysterious group of killers known as the Matarese. The twist: The agents, Bradley Scofield and Vasili Taleniekov, have been nemeses for years, with each responsible for killing someone close to the other.

Nearly all the major studios have heard at least a version of the pitch, with several thought to be keenly interested; however, no deal has been struck.