(Cover) - EN Movies - Will Smith is the frontrunner to star in Quentin Tarantinos next project.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor, who is famed for his roles in Men in Black, Independence Day and Ali, has been handpicked by the prestigious filmmaker to star in his next movie, Django Unchained.

The 42-year-old American star would portray the title character, a freed slave looking for his wife that sees him teaming up with a German bounty hunter to target an evil plantation owner.

Samuel L. Jackson and Christoph Waltz are also negotiating key parts in the movie, which is Tarantinos follow-up to his 2009 blockbuster Inglourious Basterds.

The film director wrote the bounty hunter part with Christophe in mind, according to insiders, while Samuel would play a house slave, Monsieur Calvin Candie.

Shooting is due to begin later this year. The exact location has not been confirmed, but reports suggest it could be filmed in Louisiana. (C) Cover Media