Casting Net: Jeremy Renner eyeing David O. Russell drama. Plus: Daniel Radcliffe, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Depp

* Jeremy Renner is in talks to star opposite Bradley Cooper in director David O. Russell's untitled drama (previously called American Bulls—), based on a true story about a con artist (Cooper) compelled to work with the F.B.I. agent (Renner) who nabbed him in a far reaching sting operation known as Abscam. Christian Bale was initially set to play the con artist, and Cooper the F.B.I. agent, but the roles shifted around after Bale dropped out of the project. [Variety]

* Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks) have signed up to star in The F Word, which sounds much less edgy than its title first implies: It's an indie romantic comedy about a couple who meet and have great chemistry, but end up trying to just be friends — ergo, the title. Michael Dowse (Goon) is directing from a Black List script by Elan Mastai (The Samaritan). [Variety]

* Juliette Lewis is in talks to join the feature adaptation of Tracy Letts' Pulitzer-winning play August: Osage County, as the dizzy youngest daughter to Meryl Streep's hard-hearted family matriarch. Julia Roberts is also set to star as the assertive eldest daughter. John Wells will direct from Letts' adaptation of his play. [Deadline]

* Sam Claflin (Snow White and the Huntsman) and Emilia Clarke (HBO's Game of Thrones) will star opposite Karl Urban in Overdrive, a thriller about American car thieves who relocate to France. Antonio Negret (Transit) will direct from a script by Michael Brandt and Derek Haas (Wanted). Claflin is also reportedly in the running for the role of Finnick in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which would likely shoot soon after Overdrive finished production. [Variety]

* Kristen Bell will headline The Lifeguard, about a woman who leaves her job as a reporter in New York City to get her high school job as a lifeguard. Mamie Gummer (CBS' The Good Wife), Martin Starr (Party Down), Alex Shaffer (Win Win), Josuha Harto (The Dark Knight), and Amy Madigan (Gone Babby Gone) costar. Liz W. Garcia (CBS' Cold Case) will direct from her screenplay. [Deadline]

* As had been reported last week, Johnny Depp has signed up to star in Wes Anderson's next feature film, The Grand Budapest Hotel. [Deadline]

Follow @adambvary

Read more:

Casting Net: Anthony Mackie may join 'Captain America' sequel as the Falcon. Plus: Richard Jenkins, Vince Vaughn

'Catching Fire' zeroing in on actors for Finnick and Beetee — REPORT