Scott Cooper says he is excited to start working with Johnny Depp because he has 'a strong point of view'.
Cooper and Depp are set to work together for the first time on Black Mass, a biopic of Whitey Bulger.
Depp will take on the role of Bulger in the film, and Cooper is looking forward to building the central character with him.
Speaking to Collider, the director said: "I only want to work with actors to have a strong point of view and who want to race to set.
"And Johnny is that type of actor. He is a consummate actor. He's always pushing himself and always playing something different. He's one of the best actors in American screen history.
"Our hope is to really craft a full-bodied portrait in ways that you haven't seen. It's exciting to see an actor like Johnny really attracted to a part like this because you've never seen him like this."
Black Mass is based on the book New York Bestseller by Dick Lehr and Gerald O'Neill.
Barry Levinson was originally set to direct with Depp on board in the central role, before the film fell through.
No Cooper - who we last saw in the director's chair with Out of the Furnace - is on board and Depp is back.
Tom Hardy has also been linked to the role of FBI agent John Connelly.
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