There are yet more changes afoot for David O. Russell’s latest project, which once went under the title American Bullshit, but is currently looking for a new moniker (a move that should surprise exactly no one). But the new name – or lack thereof – isn’t the big news. Instead, Variety brings word that Jeremy Renner is now in negotiations to replace Christian Bale in the cast.

If he signs, the current Empire cover star would play Jimmy Boyle, an intense, dedicated FBI agent who arrests con man Mel Weinberg and strong-arms him into running a scam that saw politicians arrested for making dodgy deals.

Bradley Cooper is already locking down the role of Weinberg and Russell is looking for someone to play his mistress / con partner. The film, written by Eric Warren Singer, is based on the true account of the scam, which ran in the 1970s and 1980s.

From the sounds of the report, Russell is looking to make this his next movie, since he has financing from Annapurna Pictures and has set a shoot date of February next year.

Renner, of course, will next be seen in The Bourne Legacy (due August 13) and then the delayed Hansel And Gretel: Witch Hunters, currently set to arrive on March 15 next year.