Penn in talks for 'Cartel' role

LOS ANGELES, March 10 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Sean Penn is in talks to headline the action drama "Cartel," which will mark the dramatic feature directing debut of Asger Leth, Variety.com said.

Penn won an Oscar for his portrayal of gay rights activist Harvey Milk in the best picture contender "Milk" last month. Leth previously helmed the 2006 documentary "Ghosts of Cite Soleil."

Inspired by the 1993 Italian film "La scorta," "Cartel" is about a man fighting to protect his son after his wife is brutally slain in "the gritty world of Mexican cartels," the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

"Cartel" is tentatively slated to go into production this summer; however, the start date won't be set until Penn officially signs on to the project, Variety.com said.