Christoph Waltz is in early negotiations to star in James Cameron‘s “Alita: Battle Angel,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Rosa Salazar (“Maze Runner”) will star in the lead role, with Robert Rodriguez directing. Cameron and Jon Landau are producing.
“Alita” is set in the 26th century and tells the story of a female cyborg (Salazar), discovered by a scientist in a scrapyard. She has no recollection of her previous life except for her martial arts training, so she utilizes those skills to become a bounty hunter.
Should the deal go through, Waltz will play Doctor Dyson Ido, the scientist who finds the cyborg.
The film, a Twentieth Century Fox property, is looking at a July 2018 fall release.
Waltz most recently starred in “The Legend of Tarzan” alongside Margot Robbie and Alexander Skarsgard. He was also seen in “Spectre” and “Horrible Bosses 2.”
He recently wrapped production on Alexander Payne‘s “Downsizing” and will star in “Tulip Fever” alongside Alicia Vikander, Cara Delevingne, Zach Galifianakis and Dane DeHaan.
Rodriguez is best known for co-directing “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.” His upcoming projects include writing for the TV series “From Dusk Till Dawn,” of which he directed one episode.
Waltz is represented by ICM Partners, while Rodriguez is represented by WME.