With the recent departure of the lead actor, it seems Jon Favreau's new directorial effort may have found a new leading man. Collider is reporting that Daniel Craig is in early talks to star in Cowboys and Aliens.

Craig would take Robert Downey Jr.'s place as the lead, portraying Zeke Jackson, but the site is stressing that a deal isn't close to being signed yet and they are in negotiations currently. We reported yesterday that Downey left the project due to a Sherlock Holmes sequel being put on the fast track, thus causing scheduling conflicts with this film.

Jon Favreau is directing the film from a script by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof. It was said the film is eyeing a 2011 release.