Actress Zoe Saldana is in early talks to join the Relativity Media crime thriller Out of the Furnace. We reported last month that Christian Bale is set to star.

The story centers on an ex-con (Christian Bale) who goes on a vengeful rampage right after his release from prison, to avenge the murder of his younger brother. Zoe Saldana is circling the role of Christian Bale's ex-wife, who is now married to the town's sheriff. Robert Duvall is expected to play Christian Bale's uncle, while Viggo Mortensen may portray the villain. It is also said that there are several actors in contention to play the ex-con's brother.

Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart) is directing Out of the Furnace from his own script, which is based on Brad Ingelsby's screenplay entitled The Low Dweller. Ridley Scott and Tony Scott are producing through their Scott Free Productions company, with Leonardo DiCaprio producing for Appian Way. It isn't known when production may start on Out of the Furnace.