Fuqua in 'Training' for Washington pic

'Hurricane' thesp to star in Ayer-scripted drama

By MICHAEL FLEMING

NEW YORK — Antoine Fuqua is in Warner Bros.’ sightlines to direct "Training Day," the David Ayer-scripted drama to star Denzel Washington.

With several helmers circling, Fuqua surfaced as the top candidate after Washington screened "Bait," the Jamie Foxx starrer that Fuqua recently helmed for Castle Rock and Warner Bros.

Before "Bait," Fuqua directed "The Replacement Killers," starring Chow Yun-Fat and Mira Sorvino.

Warner Bros. and Outlaw Prods. are expected to move quickly to close a deal with Fuqua.

In "Training," Washington will play a reckless and corrupt veteran cop who escorts a rookie on his first day with LAPD’s undercover narcotics unit.

Pic has had sizable names circling, including Samuel L. Jackson and Matt Damon. The studio is looking at several young actors, among them "Cider House Rules" star Tobey Maguire.

Washington, who is coming off a celebrated turn in "Hurricane" and the recently completed "Remember the Titans," is expected to topline "Training Day" before starting "John Q" at New Line with director Nick Cassavettes.

Fuqua is repped by CAA.