Elba Joins "The Gunman"

Idris Elba is in talks to join the action thriller "The Gunman" says Heat Vision.

Based on author Jean-Patrick Manchette's novel, the story centers on an international operative named Martin Terrier (Sean Penn) who is betrayed by the organization he works for. He then goes on the run in a relentless game of cat-and-mouse across Europe.

The author's work has been described as "existentialist and involving explorations of politics as well as the human condition."

Elba will portray a mysterious operative named Dupont. Javier Bardem also stars.

Peter Travis is writing the adapted script from which French filmmaker Pierre Morel ("Taken") will direct.

Joel Silver and Andrew Rona will produce the film.

Shooting begins later this month.