Daniel Day-Lewis may star in 'Nine'

LOS ANGELES, May 15 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning British actor Daniel Day-Lewis reportedly is in negotiations to headline the Hollywood movie musical "Nine."

The lead role of Guido Contini in the Rob Marshall-directed picture was left vacant when Javier Bardem dropped out because he was exhausted from working and making the publicity rounds during awards season.

Day-Lewis and Bardem won the Oscars for best actor and best supporting actor, respectively, earlier this year.

Variety.com said Day-Lewis would play the role of Contini, a famous movie director who experiences personal and creative crisis while trying to balance the women in his life.

Bardem's rumored girlfriend Penelope Cruz, as well as actresses Marion Cotillard, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman and Judi Dench are to play the women.

A representative for The Weinstein Co., the studio behind "Nine," declined to discuss the possibility of Day-Lewis taking over the role, telling Variety.com only, "Any of the names being thrown around is pure conjecture and when we're ready to make an announcement we'll let you know."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International