(Cover) - EN Movies - Bryan Cranston is in talks to appear in crime movie The Gangster Squad.

Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the film is scheduled for release in 2013 and will tell the story of the Los Angeles Police Department's struggle against the Mafia in the 1940s and 50s.

Stars already confirmed for the picture include Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin and Sean Penn, and according to Variety, Bryan is in discussions to portray Max Kennard, "a laconic LAPD officer from Texas who enforces the law ambitiously".

The Gangster Squad's script has been adapted by Will Beall from a seven-part series which featured in the Los Angeles Times called Tales from the Gangster Squad.

Ryan will star as Sgt. Jerry Wooters in the picture, with Josh and Sean portraying John O'Mara and Mickey Cohen respectively.

Bryan also recently entered negotiations to appear in Argo, a drama also scheduled for 2013 release, which will be directed by Ben Affleck. (C) Cover Media