Ben Affleck circling lead role in David Fincher's "Gone Girl"

Ben Affleck is in negotiations to play the male lead in "Gone Girl," Deadline reports.

The film is based on the bestselling thriller by Gillian Flynn, and will be directed by David Fincher ("The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo").

Affleck would play Nick Dunne, a man whose wife, Amy, goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary and emerges as the prime suspect in her disappearance.

Flynn wrote the screenplay for the film, which is being produced by Reese Witherspoon and Leslie Dixon.

The role of Amy has yet to be cast, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Affleck would shoot "Gone Girl" before moving on to his next directorial project, "Live by Night."

Tell us: What do you think of this casting choice? And who should play Amy Dunne?