Ben Affleck is in negotiations to rewrite, direct and star in Warner Bros.’ “The Town,” an adaptation of the Chuck Hogan novel “The Prince of Thieves,” reports Variety.

Ben Affleck made his directorial debut with 2007’s drama “Gone Baby Gone,” a film that received warm reviews from critics and had its share of glory during the awards season.

Affleck is now being sought as director, with Warner Bros. enlisting him for “The Town,” a project that until recently had British filmmaker Adrian Lyne (“Fatal Attraction,” “9 ½ Weeks”) attached, per Variety.

The film would be based in Charlestown, Mass., a deprived Boston suburb much like the one captured by Affleck in his own film. He would portray a career thief who, probably against plan and will, falls in love with the manager of a bank.

Affleck will also rewrite the most recent draft by Peter Craig and Chuck Hogan, says Variety. He already has an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, with Matt Damon, for 1997’s “Good Will Hunting.” Affleck also co-wrote “Gone Baby Gone,” adapted from a Dennis Lehane novel, with Aaron Stockard.

Graham King is producing through his GK Films company.

As to his acting, Affleck next appears on the big screen in February, with “He’s Not Just Into You,” a New Line comedy whose ensemble cast includes Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Justin Long, Jennifer Aniston and Scarlett Johansson.

In April, he will be doing press tours again, once Universal’s political thriller “State of Play” is released. Directed by Kevin Macdonald, it also stars Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren and Jason Bateman.

Affleck is currently filming “Extract,” a comedy written and directed by Mike Judge. He stars opposite Bateman and Mila Kunis.