For once, the trades may have jumped the gun as David O. Russell cried possible “bullshit” on the previous stories.

Earlier on Wednesday, many sites reported Russell was attached to direct “American Bullshit” for Sony Pictures and Atlas Entertainment.

The director clarified the news to Deadline by saying, “Reports that I am attached to ‘American Bullshit’ are premature. It is something I am in early discussions on and I have great respect for Chuck Roven and Christian Bale. I am also developing other projects and have not chosen my next film.”

The film is about a con artist collaborating with the FBI on a corruption case that is from Atlantic City to Washington, D.C.

And if Russell signs on to the project, Deadline may consider reuniting with actor Christian Bale in the starring role.

Russell’s last project was with 2010’s “The Fighter,” which also starred Bale. He is currently in post-production work for the upcoming films “The Silver Linings Playbook” and “Nailed.”

“American Bullshit” script is written by Eric Singer.

Source: Variety, Deadline