Jamie Foxx is reported to be in advanced negotiations to star in Quentin Tarantino's upcoming film, Django Unchained.
The Oscar-winnning actor is Tarantino's first choice to play the eponymous lead character.
Both Will Smith and The Wire's Idris Elba have also been in contention to play the freed slave in Tarantino's update of the 1966 Sergio Leone western Django.
Foxx's previous credits include Ray Charles biopic Ray, for which he won his Oscar, Collateral and Dreamgirls.
Christoph Waltz, who starred in Tarantino's last film Inglorious Basterds, and Leonardo DiCaprio will also join the cast.
Django Unchained is due for release on Christmas Day 2012.