UPDATE: 6/11/10 12 AM PSTRisky Business Blog is reporting that DreamWorks has shot down the rumor. The studio did confirm that Steven Spielberg is currently casting for the film, but he hasn't decided on any actors as of yet.

We'll be sure to keep you posted on this film's casting as soon as more information is released.

Original Story: We reported a month ago that director Steven Spielberg had chosen his next film project titled War Horse. And if a new story is to be believed, he has now chosen his lead actor. The Playlist is reporting that British thespian Eddie Redmayne has secured the lead role of Albert in the upcoming drama.

The site is reporting from "sources close to the picture" that Redmayne is nearly "locked" for the role and, since DreamWorks has already set an August 10, 2011 release date for the film, Spielberg is likely trying to get a cast together for a production start sometime this year.

Spielberg will direct from a script by Lee Hall and Richard Curtis, which was adapted from the Michael Morpurgo book of the same name. Here's a plot description of the book below.

"In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?"

We'll certainly keep you posted on any further developments concerning War Horse as soon as more information comes in.