Pitt to reteam with Dominik for 'Cogan's Trade' (DH, PL, HV SCR)

By Nancy Tartaglione

News of a new Andrew Dominik project ramped up on Tuesday when Deadline reported that Brad Pitt is negotiating to star in and produce "Cogan's Trade," a comedic crime saga that Dominik will direct. The Playlist on Tuesday had also been tipped as to the source material for the film, without the mention of Pitt. However, PL did note that Casey Affleck had earlier referred to the project saying he would be reteaming with his "Assassination of Jesse James" director in January.

Says Deadline, Pitt will play Jackie Cogan in the adaptation of George Higgins' novel. Cogan is a professional enforcer who investigates a heist that takes place during a high stakes poker game held under the protection of the mob. Dominik wrote the script.

Along with Affleck, the Heat Vision blog says names such as Sam Rockwell, Mark Ruffalo and Javier Bardem have also sprung up as possibilities for the ensemble piece.

"Cogan's Trade" has been set up independently, financed by Inferno Entertainment -- which will also handle international sales. Plan B's Pitt and Dede Gardner and Chockstone's Steve Schwartz and Paula Mae Schwartz are producing. Inferno's Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel will exec producer with Marc Butan. Roger Schwartz is co-producer.

Although Affleck previously said he was doing a movie with Dominik in January 2011, it is not clear when the film will start.

Dominik is also set to direct the adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates' "Blonde" with Naomi Watts playing Marilyn Monroe. Word on that project is that the financing is in place and a February start had been planned.

However, Wiretap recently heard that if Dominik could get the Brad Pitt project off the ground, "Blonde" could move to June.