Mendelsohn Doin' Mississippi Grind

Ben Mendelsohn ("Animal Kingdom," "Killing Them Softly") is in talks to play a supporting role in "Half Nelson" filmmakers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck's indie drama "Mississippi Grind" says Variety.

The story centers on a down-on-his-luck gambler facing crushing debt who teams with a younger gambling addict (Jake Gyllenhaal) in an attempt to change his luck. The two set off on a road trip through the South with visions of winning back what has been lost.

Fleck and Boden will direct from a screenplay they wrote.

John Lesher, Jamie Patricof and Lynette Howell are producing the pic