Amy Adams circles 'Fighter'

Actress in talks to star alongside Bale, Wahlberg

By DAVE MCNARY

Adams

Bale

Russell

Amy Adams is in negotiations to star alongside Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg in Relativity Media's "The Fighter."

Paramount Pictures will distribute the David O. Russell-helmed drama domestically. Adams would play a gritty bartender from Massachusetts who ends up dating Wahlberg's character, "Irish" Mickey Ward.

Pic, which is scheduled to start lensing this summer, tells the story of Ward's early days on the rough streets of Lowell, Mass., and how he was helped to the world lightweight championship by his half-brother, portrayed by Bale. Melissa Leo's also been cast.

David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, Ryan Kavanaugh, Wahlberg, Paul Tamasy and Dorothy Aufiero are producing. Tucker Tooley will exec produce.

Adams will next be seen in Sony's "Julie and Julia" alongside Meryl Streep. She recently wrapped romantic comedy "Leap Year" for Spyglass and Benderspink.