Back in August, George Clooney vacated the lead role in Steven Soderbergh’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E. over concerns that the stunt work would further agitate his injuries sustained while filming Syriana. Now it looks as though Soderbergh has settled on Clooney’s replacement. Variety reports that Bradley Cooper has been offered the starring role of Napoleon Solo and is expected to accept, as his agency team apparently put some concerted effort into positioning him for the role. The film is based on the 1960s spy series of the same name. Following Clooney’s departure, Soderbergh apparently offered the part to Matt Damon and Johnny Depp, but both actors passed. The plan is to start filming in March after Cooper wraps Alex ProyasParadise Lost. Soderbergh will then move onto his Liberace pic Behind the Candelabra for HBO starring Damon and Michael Douglas.

Cooper has become quite a hot commodity as of late. He recently wrapped Derek Cianfrance’s The Place Beyond the Pines with Ryan Gosling, and he’s currently filming David O. Russell’s The Silver Linings Playbook. He was also lined up to star in The Crow remake, but subsequently dropped out. Hit the jump to watch the opening for The Man from U.N.C.L.E.