George Clooney hopes to lock down impressive cast for ‘Farragut North’

As many of you know, George Clooney is not just a talented actor, but also a very skilled director. Clooney was nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards for Good Night, and Good Luck, but it was his debut – Confessions of a Dangerous Mind – that I thought was much more enjoyable. Now, he’s setting up his third directorial film: Farragut North, based on a stage play about a political campaign and the corruption and tricks that go along with it. Hit the jump for more information, including Clooney’s hopes for his cast.

Clooney has his eye on Star Trek‘s Chris Pine for the lead role of Stephen Myers, a young press secretary/spin control expert for a presidential campaign as he plays dirty to secure his boss the nomination. Leonardo DiCaprio was once in talks for the part, but after dropping out, Pine seems the next logical choice; he recently starred in a Los Angeles performance of the play on which the film is based.

Brad Pitt was also once attached to the project, but he and Leo must be having a meeting of the Busiest Guys in Hollywood Club; Pitt probably won’t be able to fit the project into his schedule. Enter Philip Seymour Hoffman as a replacement in the role of Myers’ boss on the campaign trail. Paul Giamatti has joined as the rival political party campaign manager, and offers are also out to Evan Rachel Wood and Marisa Tomei in supporting roles.

Sounds like a compelling story and a fantastic cast – count me in. What do you all think? Are you on board with Clooney as a director, and does Farragut North sound appealing to you?