Paul Dano Joining Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal in 'Prisoners'

Getty Images

Paul Dano is in negotiations to join the cast of Prisoners, Alcon’s thriller starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal.

our editor recommends

Tribeca Film Acquires 'For Ellen,' Starring Paul Dano

'Ruby Sparks' Trailer: 'Little Miss Sunshine' Directors Return With Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan Love Story (Video)

STORY: For Ellen: Sundance Film Review

The gritty thriller, being directed by Denis Villeneuve (Incendies), centers on a small-town carpenter (Jackman) whose young daughter and best friend are kidnapped. After the cops fail to find them, his character takes the law into his own hands, kidnapping the man he suspects is responsible. But as his friend and daughter's captivity continues, the carpenter begins to have doubts that he has the right man.

VIDEO: 'Ruby Sparks' Trailer: 'Little Miss Sunshine' Directors Return With Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan Love Story

Dano will play a neighbor who has the mental capacity of a 10-year old and has a very sweet disposition, but may hide the personality of a killer.

A January start in Atlanta is being eyed.

Dano can currently be seen in Looper, the acclaimed sci-fi thriller from Rian Johnson. He recently starred in the indie Ruby Sparks and will next be seen in the period drama 12 Years a Slave with Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender.

He is repped by WME