‘The Current War’: 'Sherlock' actor Benedict Cumberbatch and Jake Gyllenhaal in talks to play Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse

Actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Jake Gyllenhaal are in talks to star in the upcoming fact-based film “The Current War.”

Cumberbatch is being considered for the role of Thomas Edison, while Gyllenhaal might sign on to play George Westinghouse in the film, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) reported.

“The Current War” follows the 1880s feud between Edison and Westinghouse over creating a sustainable electricity system. Edison's direct current (DC) won the electric power distribution over Westinghouse’s alternating current (AC).

Playwright/screenwriter Michael Mitnick, who penned the script of “The Giver,” has written the script of "The Current War." Mitnick’s “The Current War” script successfully made it to 2011’s Black List of Best Unproduced Screenplays.

Timur Bekmambetov first acquired the film's script in 2012, with an intention to direct it. However, he will now produce the film, alongside Steven Zaillian and Garrett Basch.

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon is also in discussion to helm the project, THR reported. However, Gomez-Rejon is directing “Collateral Beauty,” which stars actor Will Smith. Ben Stiller also has shown interest in directing "The Current War."

Meanwhile, Cumberbatch and Gyllenhaal are scheduled to shoot for different films this fall. Cumberbatch is set to star in Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” while Gyllenhaal will act in Tom Ford’s “Nocturnal Animals.”

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