Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro to star in THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro are in negotiations to star in the David O. Russell directed film The Silver Linings Playbook, which is an adaptation of the Matthew Quick's novel. This is actually the second time that Cooper has been linked to this film. Mark Wahlberg was supposed to take the lead male role, but he had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. 

If Cooper and De Niro officially sign on, they will join the previously cast Jennifer Lawrence as the the female lead (replacing the formerly-rumored Anne Hathaway) in the production, which is targeting a start date of later this year. The film is slated to begin shooting this fall. The story revolves around "a former high school teacher who was institutionalized for depression and is then released into the care of his mother. He tries to win back his ex-wife but becomes involved with an eccentric neighbor with problems of her own." 

Here's a description of the story from the book:

Pat Peoples, the endearing narrator of this touching and funny debut, is down on his luck. The former high school history teacher has just been released from a mental institution and placed in the care of his mother. Not one to be discouraged, Pat believes he has only been on the inside for a few months––rather than four years––and plans on reconciling with his estranged wife. Refusing to accept that their apart time is actually a permanent separation, Pat spends his days and nights feverishly trying to become the man she had always desired.