Rami Malek (Mr. Robot) is in talks to star opposite Charlie Hunnam (Crimson Peak) in a modern retelling of the classic 1973 prison escape film Papillon which starred Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. The news was first reported by Deadline.

If the deal gets sealed, Malik would play the role of Louis Dega, originated by Hoffman. Michael Noer (Northwest) will helm from a screenplay adapted by Aaron Guzikowski (Prisoners). The picture is backed by Red Granite, and producers are Joey McFarland, Riza Aziz, David Koplan, Ram Bergman and Roger Corbi.

The plot is based on on the memoirs of safe-cracker Henri Charriere, who escaped from a prison in French Guiana, South America after he was wrongly convicted of murdering a pimp. He forges a bond with fellow incarcerated convict and counterfeiter Louis Dega and the two plot the prison escape. Papillon means butterfly in French; Charriere sported a butterfly tattoo and Papillon was also his nickname.

Malek is hot property these days playing the lead role of Elliot in USA Network’s hit Mr. Robot, now in its second season. He has been nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe for Mr. Robot and won the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. He has previously been on the big screen in Night at the Museum and its two sequels, Need for Speed, and The Master. He also appeared with Oscar-winner Brie Larson in the critically acclaimed indie Short Term 12.

Papillon is scheduled to begin shooting in September with expected locations in Belgrade, Montenegro and Thailand.