(Cover) - EN Movies - Johnny Depp is reportedly first choice to star in an adaptation of novel Carter Beats the Devil.

For some time there had been plans to adapt the historical thriller, written by Glen David Gold and first published in 2001, for the big screen.

Development halted on the film adaptation, although according to 24 Frames Warner Bros. are eager to relaunch the project and 48-year-old Johnny is top of the list for playing the lead role.

Johnny would portray Charles Carter in the picture, which would be a fictionalised biography of the American stage magician. Set in the 1920s, the story includes key historical figures such as magician

Harry Houdini, BMW founder Max Friz, and pioneer of television Philo Farnsworth.

A spokesperson for Warner Bros. has declined to comment on the project, although sources say a new draft of the script has just been completed. It has been reported the studio is now looking for a director. (C) Cover Media