George Clooney in talks for The Descendants

George Clooney is in talks to star in Alexander Payne's new comedy drama, according to Empire Magazine.

The film, called The Descendants, would see Clooney play a wealthy landowner who is desperate to keep his family together. In a frantic bid, he takes his children on a trip to meet his wife's lover, reports the industry publication.

Based on Kaui Hart Hemmings' novel of the same name, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash have written the screenplay. It will be the first time that Payne has directed someone else's screenplay.

The Fox Searchlight movie, which is scheduled to begin filming in February, will be Payne's first since 2004's Sideways.

George Clooney was recently seen at the BFI London Film Festival which took place in October. He attended the premieres of Fantastic Mr Fox, where he voices Mr Fox, as well as The Men Who Stare At Goats, a movie in which he plays the role of Lyn Cassady.