Though it was previously reported that Billy Bob Thornton had Scott Cooper‘s Out of the Furnace — a film that would cast him as the primary antagonist — on the docket, Variety now reports that, with him out, Woody Harrelson has entered talks for the very same role. Not a bad trade, if you ask me.

If you’ve forgotten (or simply didn’t know), here’s the setup for Furnace:

“The film is a drama about fate, circumstance, and redemption. Russell and his younger brother live in the economically depressed Rust Belt, and have always dreamed of escaping and finding better lives. But when a cruel twist of fate lands Russell in prison, his brother is lured into one of the most violent and ruthless crime rings in the Northeast – a mistake that will almost cost him everything. Once released, Russell must choose between his own freedom, or risk it all to seek justice for his brother.”

Christian Bale has been tapped to play Russell Baze; Zoe Saldana is his love interest, Lena; Casey Affleck has the part of his brother, Rodney Baze Jr.; and Sam Shepard will appear as their uncle, Red.

A singed contract would see Harrelson play “Curtis DeGroat, the ringleader who Bale‘s character winds up seeking vengeance against.” We know nothing else, but not much else needs to be known when we factor everything in. Woody vs. Bale! It’s a match-up most of us dare not even dream of.

With Leonardo DiCaprio‘s Appian Way producing alongside Scott Free and Relativity, Out of the Furnace will begin shooting at the end of this month.

Would you like to see Harrelson take on the role? Does his potential involvement make you more interested in Furnace?