Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman are in talks to star in "The Prestige", the next directorial effort from acclaimed director Christopher Nolan ("Memento", "Insomnia", "Batman Begins") says The Hollywood Reporter.

Based on Christopher Priest's 1996 novel that's been adapted by Nolan's brother Jonathan, Bale and Jackman will play rival magicians in turn-of-the-century London who battle each other for trade secrets. The rivalry is so intense that it turns them into murderers.

The title refers to the residue left after a magician's successful trick. The $40 million project begins shooting in January with Disney handling domestic distribution and Warner Bros. doing international.

Bale is currently shooting "Rescue Dawn" in Thailand, Jackman is shooting "X3" in Canada. "Prestige" reteams Nolan and Bale after their highly successful work together with this Summer's "Batman Begins".

Thanks to 'Malke'.