Penelope Cruz Eyes Reteam With Javier Bardem for 'The Counselor' (Exclusive)

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Penelope Cruz with Javier Bardem

Penelope Cruz may be reteaming with husband Javier Bardem for The Counselor, the drug drama from Cormac McCarthy and Ridley Scott.

The drama is one of the towns hottest projects, partly due to the speed of it coming together, thanks in part to the star power associated with it. McCarthy surprised his agents earlier this year with not a new book but a script, which was quickly picked up by producer Nick Wechsler and Paul Mae Schwartz.

Scott then decided to make it his next project, bringing with him Michael Fassbender, with whom he had just finished Prometheus. Brad Pitt and Bardem also quickly hopped on the train.

The story, like McCarthys No County for Old Men is set along the Mexican border and centers on an attorney (Fassbender), a good man in need of money who decides to dabble in the cocaine trade. He teams up with a rich acquaintance (Bardem) for the new business that also brings in a shady type (Pitt). Things dont go as planned in what is described as a dialogue-heavy, violent and racy script.

Cruz would play Fassbenders love interest. The actress doesnt have an offer yet but talks have taken place and one is expected.

There is talk of Angelina Jolie playing the enigmatic love interest but it is unclear how the actress would balance Counselor with Disneys Maleficent, which she is supposed to begin shooting June in England.

Cruz has worked with Bardem several times, dating back to 1992s Jamon Jamon, with the last time being 2008s Vicky Cristina Barcelona.