Will Smith in Early Talks to Star in Tim Burton's 'Dumbo'

The character that Smith would play, if a deal is made, is that of a father who works at the big top.

Will Smith is in early talks to star in Disney's live-action take of Dumbo, being directed by Tim Burton, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

Ehren Kruger penned the script for the project, which is based on Disney's classic animated 1941 movie about a baby circus elephant who is made fun of for his large ears and is separated from his mother.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, but sources say that one thing the new version does is expand and deepen the circus aspect of the story. The character that Smith would play, if a deal is made, is that of a father who works at the big top and whose children develop a relationship with the pachyderm.

No offer has been made, but conversations have taken place. One challenging point is Sony's Bad Boys sequel, which could shoot at the same time as Dumbo.

Smith is coming off a disappointing outing with the drama Collateral Beauty, although his involvement with last summer's Suicide Squad helped that movie become a hit.

The actor is currently filming Bright, a fantasy police adventure that David Ayer is directing for Netflix.