With Javier Bardem and Brad Pitt seemingly confirmed for the main villain and a smaller supporting part, respectively, Ridley Scott‘s The Counselor is trying to zero in on its female lead. Angelina Jolie was circling that role when our last update came in; with Disney’s Maleficent possibly cutting into the June start date, THR tells us that Penélope Cruz has entered the talks, and possibly made this something of a race at the same time.

Cruz has started circling what’s vaguely described as the love interest to Michael Fassbender‘s titular character, a role that could either be his fianceé, Laura, or a drug dealer named Malkina. Now, it is added that Jolie‘s up for “the enigmatic love interest” — but, having not read Cormac McCarthy‘s screenplay, I can’t positively say if Malkina is romantically involved, if she’s enigmatic, or if that attribute even applies to Laura. Speaking purely in terms of appearance, however, one has to give a little weight to the fact that Malkina is Argentinian; you don’t need me to tell you that’s the kind of guise better suited for Cruz. But, again, are they even in contention for the same role?

All this guessing isn’t very much fun, especially since this is too promising an addition to simply bury in speculation. Cruz‘s onscreen energy should add something a little spicy to this male-dominated cast — something I’m not fully convinced Jolie would be able to accomplish, much as I’d like to see her on board — and said cast is already one of the best on our horizon, anyway. In other words: Ridley, try and make this happen. Talks are currently underway right now, and the June start should let things come together in the very near future.

How do you think Cruz would stack up against Fassbender, Bardem, and Pitt?