McConaughey, Witherspoon in talks for 'Mud'

McConaugheyWitherspoonEXCLUSIVE: Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon will be ready to get lower and dirty, because the duo have been in discussions to star in Shaun Nichols' coming-of-age drama "Dirt," the author-director's follow-as much as his festival hit "Take Shelter." "The Tree of Existence" thesp Tye Sheridan can also be in foretells star within the pic, that is being fully funded by Everest Entertainment ("127 Hrs," "Mutually BeneficialInch). Referred to to be within the vein of "Uphold Me," redemptive tale follows a harmful yet charming fugitive named Dirt (McConaughey) and the unlikely friendship with 14-year-old Ellis (Sheridan), who's determind to assist Dirt avoid both law plus some serious bounty predators. Witherspoon will have Juniper, Mud's soulmate who he's frantically attempting to reunite with. Everest founder Lisa Maria Falcone will produce with FilmNation's Aaron Ryder ("Reminder") and frequent Terrence Malick collaborator Sarah Eco-friendly, who professional created "Take Shelter." FilmNation Boss Glen Basner will professional produce, as his company is going to be handling worldwide sales, in addition to U.S. sales together with CAA. "Shaun Nichols has written an attractive story with wealthy figures learning valuable training through existence-altering conditions. With Jeff's vision, this is a thing of beauty,Inch stated Falcone. "I understood as soon as I just read 'Mud' which i desired to get this to film. Shaun is really a rare talent which exciting, sincere story doesn't seem possible to face up to,Inch stated Eco-friendly. "Shaun authored a visceral story filled with empathy, innocence and memorable journeys," added Ryder. Pic will mark the 4th-straight indie McConaughey has been doing after running Lionsgate's mid-budget court docket thriller "The Lincoln subsequently Lawyer" to some $86 million worldwide gross. Since that time, he's wrapped a set of dark indie comedies, Richard Linklater's "Bernie" and William Friedkin's "Killer Joe," and he's presently filming Lee Daniels' thriller "The Paperboy." Texan thesp can also be reprising his role like a baseball scout about the third season of HBO's "Eastbound and Lower." Witherspoon, who last starred opposite Taylor Lautner in "Water For Tigers," will next be viewed alongside Chris Pine and Tom Sturdy in McG's "What This Means Is War," which she also created. Thesp is mounted on topline Disney's "Wish List" and she's also set to create and potentially star in DreamWorks' bachelor party comedy "Who Asked Her?" CAA reps both McConaughey and Witherspoon, who's also repped by Management 360. Contact Rachel Abrams at Rachel.Abrams@variety.com