Cronenberg. Washington. Ludlum!

While Uni waits for a gap in Matt Damon’s schedule so they can shoot a fourth “Bourne”, MGM is fast-tracking another Robert Ludlum-novel-cum film.

David Cronenberg – wicked change of pace for him – is set to direct the political thriller “The Matarese Circle” for Mary Parent, with Denzel Washington set to star.

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, book revolves around two men — one American, one Soviet — who must cooperate in order to foil a sinister plot to topple the world’s governments.

Writing partners Michael Brandt and Derek Haas (“3:10 to Yuma”) penned the adaptation.

Sounds like a goodie.

Variety has the full story