Variety reports Martin Scorsese is in talks with Benicio Del Toro (Che) and Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood) to star in his next movie, Silence. The drama is set in the 17th century as two Jesuit priests face violence and persecution when they travel to Japan to locate their mentor and to spread the gospel of Christianity. Gael Garcia Bernal (Babel, Y Tu Mama Tambien) may also star. The film, based on the Shusaku Endo novel, which was adapted by Jay Cocks (Gangs of New York), has been on Scorsese’s radar for over 10 years.

This film sounds spectacular. Three of my favorite actors with my favorite director. Couldn’t ask for more.

Scorsese’s next film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Shutter Island, comes out this October. Silence is expected for a late 2010 release.

Do you like the casting for Silence?