George Clooney Lines Up 'The Descendants'

George Clooney is in talks to team with director Alexander Payne for the first time in the dramedy 'The Descendants,' Variety reports.

It's not the first time Clooney and Payne's names have been linked: Clooney was reportedly clamoring for the Thomas Haden Church washed-up-actor role in 'Sideways,' but Payne turned him down, saying, "You're a wonderful actor, but I wouldn't believe that one of the world's most handsome, most famous movie stars can play one of the world's biggest loser actors."

Clooney is apparently not too handsome for this role, that of a wealthy man who takes his two daughters with him to search for his wife's lover in the hopes of keeping his family together. Not quite the typical family bonding exercise, but we're used to quirky takes on relationships from the director of 'Election' and 'About Schmidt.'

The Descendants will be Payne's first feature in five years; it's scheduled to begin lensing in February in Hawaii.

And brace yourself for a veritable Clooneyfest at the multiplex over the next couple months. The actor has three films due out before the end of the year: 'Fantastic Mr. Fox,' 'The Men Who Stare at Goats' and 'Up in the Air.'

'The Men Who Stare at Goats' showtimes and tickets
'Fantastic Mr. Fox' showtimes and tickets
'Up in the Air' showtimes and tickets