Christian Bale is close to signing on to star opposite Russell Crowe in "Walk the Line" helmer James Mangold's classic Western remake "3:10 to Yuma" reports the trades.

Relativity Media is stepping in to finance the film, which has been without a home since Sony Pictures put it into turnaround earlier this summer after four years of failed development.

Crowe would play a desperado caught by a local sheriff (Bale) determined to transport him to captivity; the villain's accomplices stage an ambush. The remake is aiming for a fall start.

Tom Cruise had been circling the film for his follow-up to "Mission: Impossible III," with Eric Bana rumored to be in pursuit of a role as well.