An intriguing upcoming project is Disobedience, an upcoming drama to be directed by Sebastian Lelio (Gloria). The film has already set Oscar winner Rachel Weisz (The Lobster) and Oscar nominee Rachel McAdams (Spotlight) as two women entangled in a controversial romance. The film is based on Naomi Alderman’s 2006 novel. Now comes word, courtesy of Deadline, that Alessandro Nivola (American Hustle) may join the film as well.

Disobedience centers around Ronit (Weisz), a woman who returns to her Orthodox Jewish home following the death of her rabbi father. Once there, she rekindles a rapport with Esti (McAdams), a married women with whom she previously shared a strong friendship with. Their passion – a forbidden romance – stirs up controversy. Nivola is rumored to be in the running to portray the husband of McAdams’ character. Rebecca Lenkiewicz co-wrote the screenplay with Lelio. Element Pictures’ Ed Guiney, Film4 and Braven Pictures’ Frida Torresblanco are producing the title alongside Weisz.

A formidable character actor since the mid-1990s, Nivola has previously appeared in such films as Jurassic Park III, Face/Off and Laurel Canyon. More recently, Nivola has memorably been seen in American Hustle (as a member of the Screen Actors Guild Award-winning ensemble), Ava DuVernay’s Selma and J.C. Chandor’s A Most Violent Year. This year, he appeared in The Neon Demon and will soon be seen in Terrence Malick’s upcoming Weightless. He also recently earned a Tony Award nomination for appearing opposite Bradley Cooper in the Broadway revival of The Elephant Man.