(Cover) - EN Movies - Chris Pine has been linked to coming-of-age movie Mud.

According to reports, the 30-year-old US actor may play the title character in the drama, which comes from acclaimed writer/director Jeff Nichols.

24 Frames reports that Chris could star as Mud, a runaway who meets two 14-year-old boys willing to help him escape from an island in the Mississippi. Apparently the character is unsavoury yet redemptive at the same time, and teaches the teenage boys as much as they help him.

The movie will be distributed by FilmDistrict, and producer Aaron Ryder has reportedly compared it to 1986 classic Stand by Me, the adventure drama which starred the late River Phoenix.

Reports suggest Chris is still considering the part, and it is not yet known when shooting would begin.

Movie insiders believe accepting the dramatic role could be an interesting move for Chris, as he has become well known for his roles in action movies such as Unstoppable of late and a change of direction could be appealing. (C) Cover Media