The long in-development John D. Macdonald-adaptation may have found its female lead in Oscar-nominated actress Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl). She is in talks to star opposite Christian Bale (The Fighter) in the film directed by James Mangold (Wolverine). The story follows famed protagonist Travis McGee (who appears in 20 follow-up novels), a “salvage consultant” who recovers clients’ lost property for a fee, and comes to blows with many a shady character.

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way will be producing in association with Chernin Entertainment, while 20th Century Fox is handling distribution. Novelist Dennis Lehane wrote the original adaptation, and Minority Report scribe Scott Frank has penned the most recent draft.

Although Pike’s casting status is currently still in talks, her recent reputation with Fox could likely put the deal through smoothly. She worked with the company on 2014’s Gone Girl – which garnered her an Oscar nomination – and has also signed onto their survival drama The Mountains Between Us which will begin shooting soon after The Deep Blue Good-by wraps.

Also ahead for Pike this year is the thriller Return to Sender with Nick Nolte (Thin Red Line) and Rumor Willis (House Bunny).