By:  Kristy Puchko

Since originating the role of Lisbeth Salander in Sweden’s production ofThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Scandinavian stunner Noomi Rapace has fascinated filmmakers, not to mention audiences. In just the past twelve months, she’s starred into two major action-adventures, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Prometheus. Now, having recently wrapped on the crime thriller Dead Man Down, this captivating actress is on the prowl for new challenging roles, and may be ready to pounce on Fox Searchlight‘sAnimal Rescue.

Based on a short story from Dennis Lehane‘s Boston Noir, this crime drama centers on a bartender with a criminal past who’s working hard to change his ways. However, after taking in a stray pit bull, he unexpectedly gets pulled into the troubles of the dog’s deranged owner, and is lead into a heist gone wrong and a murder. Last month, we reported Tom Hardy was being eyed for the male lead of the bartender, and now Deadline reports he is in final negotiations for the part, while Rapace is in talks for the female lead.

There are no further details on Rapace’s could-be role at this time, but we do know that Animal Rescue‘s producers have shifted the story to New York City from its native Boston, where previous Lehane adaptations from Mystic River to Gone Baby Gone and Shutter Island have also been set. Production is slated to begin in New York this March, meaning should he sign on—which seems likely—this will be Hardy’s next project.

Animal Rescue marks the first time Lehane has written the adapted screenplay for one of his literary works, though he’s penned a trio of episodes for the acclaimed crime drama The Wire. Adding even more prestige to the production is director Michael R. Roskam, who will make the film a follow-up to his Academy Award-nominated debut feature, the Belgian drama Bullhead.

Source: Cinema Blend