Oscar-winning actor Daniel Day-Lewis reportedly wants a key part in the planned film version of Nine, a Broadway hit musical based on Federico Fellini's masterpiece 8 1/2.
Day-Lewis has asked for the part of the tormented and indecisive director based in the original film on Fellini himself, Hollywood sources say.
Spanish actor Javier Bardem has reportedly turned down the part.
The film, which has only been announced, has a star-studded cast including Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Judie Dench and Sophia Loren.
