"Slumdog Millionaire" star Dev Patel is in early talks to join Sharlto Copley in MRC's "Chappie," the next sci-fi movie from "District 9" and "Elysium" director Neill Blomkamp, an individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap.
Blomkamp wrote the script with Terri Tatchell. Simon Kinberg is producing the character-driven movie.
Project is based on Blomkamp's short "Tetra Vaal," which was a fake ad for a robotic police force patrolling the slums of South Africa.
Copley will play one of the law enforcement robots, while Patel is just starting to make a deal to play the film's human lead.
MRC and Kinberg produced "Elysium," which Sony will release on Aug. 9. Matt Damon stars alongside Jodie Foster and Copley.
Patel next reprises his role as Neal Sampat on the second season of HBO's "The Newsroom," which returns July 14. After starring in Best Picture winner "Slumdog Millionaire," he went on to supporting roles in "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and the indie drama "About Cherry."
Patel is repped by UTA, Magnolia Entertainment, Curtis Brown Group and attorney James Feldman.
