Ben Affleck to Direct, Star in Geopolitical Thriller for Warner Bros.

In an effort recreate the magic behind ARGO, Warner Bros. has tapped Will Staples to script a new geopolitical for Ben Affleck to star in and direct, according to Deadline.

The big-budget film follows a group of mercenaries who are contracted to assassinate an African warlord. Per the report, "the film is both an action movie and an examination of the moral ambiguities of how philanthropy and foreign assistance veers into modern day neocolonialism. It also tracks how involvement in the affairs of foreign countries is always a good deal more complicated than anticipated in the planning stages."

Affleck recently starred in the Academy Award-winning Best Picture "Argo," which he also directed and produced, earning acclaim and a BAFTA Award nomination for his performance in the film, as well as a number of directing honors. In 2010, he starred in and directed the hit crime thriller "The Town."

His recent acting work also includes "The Company Men," "State of Play," and "Hollywoodland," for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Earlier in his career, Affleck starred in and co-wrote (with Matt Damon) "Good Will Hunting," for which he won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Affleck has also inked deals to lead David Fincher's big-screen adaptation of "Gone Girl," and to play Batman in Zack Snyder's upcoming sequel to "Man of Steel."

Photo Credit: Stewart Cook/Everett Collection/Picture Perfect - Rex USA