Mike Nichols, Julia Roberts in Talks to Join Charlie Wilson's War

(andPOP) - Mike Nichols and Julia Roberts, who last worked together on Closer, are both in talks to join Charlie Wilson's War.

Reuters reports that Nichols is in talks to direct Tom Hanks in Universal Pictures' CIA drama.

The movie is about the CIA's covert funding of the Afghan rebels in their battle against the Soviet Union during the 1980s. The covert ops were masterminded by the titular charismatic congressman (Hanks), who teamed up with a rogue CIA operative to manipulate the government and the CIA itself into assisting the Afghan rebels in their war with the Soviets.

Variety says Roberts is considering the role of Joanne Herring, a Texas socialite who influenced Charlie Wilson to support the rebel cause. This would be her first onscreen role since Ocean's Twelve.

The script, penned by Aaron Sorkin, the creator of TV's The West Wing, is based on the book by former 60 Minutes producer George Crile. Universal and Hanks' Playtone Productions optioned the book in 2003 for a reported $2.5 million advance.