James McAvoy in talks for Shyamalan's new filmLos Angeles, Oct 3 (AZINS) Actor James McAvoy is in negotiations to set into the role previously being eyed by the "Gladiator" star Joaquin Phoenix in acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker Manoj Night Shyamalan’s new feature project, which will start shooting next month.

The logline for the new project is being kept under wraps, but it will be on the lower end of the budget scale, more in keeping with "The Visit" (budgeted at $5 million and fully financed by Shyamalan) than, the likes of "The Last Airbender" ($150 million), reports deadline.com .

Jason Blum, who paired with the director in Universal's recent horror film "The Visit", is producing the project along with Marc Bienstock.

Ashwin Rajan and Steven Schneider are on board as executive producers.