Relativity Media has announced that Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana and Sam Shepard have agreed to star in the film “Out Of The Furnace.”

The film, directed by Scott Cooper, is a drama about “fate, circumstance, and redemption,” according to the press release. “Russell and his younger brother live in the economically depressed Rust Belt, and have always dreamed of escaping and finding better lives. But when a cruel twist of fate lands Russell in prison, his brother is lured into one of the most violent and ruthless crime rings in the Northeast – a mistake that will almost cost him everything. Once released, Russell must choose between his own freedom, or risk it all to seek justice for his brother,” according to the release.

Relativity’s Co-President Tucker Tooley said, “This is a meaty script with characters as strong as they are complex, and we needed powerhouse actors who complement the story. Christian, Casey, Zoe and Sam each approach everything they do with heart and conviction. We can’t wait to see what each of them brings to this film.”

“Out of the Distance” will be released theatrically throughout the U.S. through Relativity, and Red Granite will release the film to foreign markets. Red Granite’s International President Danny Dimbort and Co-President Christian Mercuri will start shopping “Out of the Distance” to buyers in Cannes next month.

(Photo credit: Asim Bharwani(modenadude), Flickr Creative Commons)