Eric Warren Singer (who co-wrote American Hustle with David O. Russell) is in talks to adapt Jason Matthews’ book Red Sparrow into a movie. Actor Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and director David Fincher may once again pair up for a new film that centers on entanglements related to post-Soviet intelligence. Filming will take place on both sides of the pond, spanning from Europe to the U.S.

Mara will play Dominika Egorova, a Russian intelligence officer who is ordered to become a “sparrow,” a trained seductress. Dominika is forced to use “sexpionage” against Nathaniel Nash, a CIA officer who handles the most valuable Russian moles. The relationship that develops between the pair puts all sides on a shaky line, as Dominika spites her masters, who embrace immoral tactics.

Although we have previously reported that Darren Aronofsky was being considered, it is now looks like that this is no longer the case. Fincher became available when he turned down work on the Steve Jobs biopic being written by Aaron Sorkin and produced by Scott Rudin.

Fincher is yet to be confirmed for Red Sparrow, but would seem to be a great fit based on his previous work with Mara in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011).  The thriller Gone Girl, starring Ben Affleck (Argo) and Rosamund Pike (Pride & Prejudice), is next on the slate of Fincher-directed releases.

Chernin Entertainment and Film Rites will produce Red Sparrow. Steve Zaillian wrote Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and the sequel that continues to be in development at Sony.