Back in 2008, Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. were both involved in Tropic Thunder, with each actor receiving high marks for their comedic performances in the Ben Stiller . Since then, Cruise has gone on to rack up some impressive action projects and also receive acclaim for Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, while Downey Jr. has found two great leading roles as both Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes. Now although the two barely shared scenes in the comedy, it seems Warner Brothers finds the pairing too enticing to pass up, and may have an action comedy fit for the duo.

Vulture reports that Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, the upcomingThe Campaign) is currently in discussions with WB to direct a film called El Presidente. With the studio on great terms with Robert Downey Jr., and intriguing by Tom Cruise’s performance in Rock of Ages, Warner is poised to truly make the casting happen as both will get the two leads of the comedy. Cruise would be the hardest bargain, especially with his packed schedule, but it certainly may be the return to comedy he’s be looking for after that Lex Grossman spin-off project has yet to surface.

The film follows “an overzealous Secret Service agent whose work-life boundary issues get him reassigned to the inglorious task of guarding America’s worst former president, who is a bumbling sleaze. The job suddenly becomes exciting when a threat is made on the ex-president’s life and they must go on the run.” Cruise would play the role of the disgraced agent, while Downey Jr. would be the ex-prez.

El Presidente was penned by Parks & Recreation‘s Dan Goor, and the film could shoot by the end of the year should the studio choose to fast track production.

Though Downey Jr. only has superhero feats in his future, Cruise has the upcoming One Shot where he plays literature’s own Jack Reacher. the sci-fi action thriller from Joseph KosinskiOblivion, and the anticipated sequels Top Gun II and Mission: Impossible 5. It’ll be interesting to see if scheduling becomes an issue should Warner Brothers choose to pursue both actors with deals.

Tags: Casting, El Presidente

Source: Durance Magazine.