Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are working on a new project together

Oscar-winning duo Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are set to work on a new project together, with Damon starring and Affleck directing and co-starring.

Damon will play the role of "Bulger" over several decades of his life. Ben Affleck's younger brother Casey is also set to star in the production. It will be the first time that Damon and Affleck have directly teamed up since their Oscar-winning debut "Good Will Hunting".

The project will cover decades of the criminal's life, culminating in his capture. Bulger was often depicted at a Robin-Hood style crook who dedicated himself to protecting his Boston neighborhood and its residents.

He is suspected of 19 murders, years of racketeering and running illegal gambling operations. In the 70s Bulger became an informant for the FBI in exchange for the Bureau turning a blind eye to his own operations.

After receiving a tip-off that he was due to be prosecuted, Bulger fled Boston and spent 16 years on the run until he was eventually caught and arrested earlier this year.

Affleck is slowly making a name for himself as a director after his success with films "Gone Baby Gone" and "The Town". The script will be written by Terence Winter, the creator of hit show "Boardwalk Empire".