Del Toro is producing the project with David Goyer and Miles Dale, who produced del Toro's Oscar-winning The Shape of Water. Scott Cooper, who helmed Crazy Heart and Black Mass, is directing.

If a deal is made, Russell will star as a teacher who takes an interest in a mysterious and withdrawn student. Only too late does she discover that the boy is harboring a deadly secret that is key to their town’s survival.

Nick Antosca and Henry Chaisson wrote the script.

Fox Searchlight is eyeing a fall shoot in Vancouver, giving Russell ample time to shoot her Star Wars role in the summer.

The actress starred for six seasons on FX’s 1980s-set The Americans, with the drama centering on a husband and wife who are Russian sleeper agents in the U.S. The role earned her two Emmy nominations.

Russell is repped by WME, Burstein Company and Sloane Offer.