Joel Edgerton is in talks to star alongside Christian Bale in 20th Century Fox's biblical epic Exodus for director Ridley Scott.

The Zero Dark Thirty star will play the Egyptian ruler Ramses, if a deal is finalized. The story centers on Moses (Christian Bale) leading the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised land.

Ridley Scott is directing from a screenplay by Steven Zaillian, who reworked the original draft by Adam Cooper and Bill Collage, with Peter Chernin producing. Production is scheduled to begin this September, with shooting to take place in Spain, Morocco and England.

Joel Edgerton is coming off roles in Zero Dark Thirty and The Great Gatsby. He will next be seen in Felony, Midnight Special and Jane Got a Gun.