Scarlett Johansson is in negotiations to star in Touchstone Pictures' "The Prestige," which is Christopher Nolan's next directorial outing.

In the movie, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman play rival magicians in early 1900s London who battle each other for trade secrets. Johansson will play a magician's assistant named Olivia who is sent to spy on the competition.

Nolan's period project also has attracted Michael Caine and David Bowie.

The movie is scheduled to shoot in January with a budget in the $40 million range.

Nolan is producing with Aaron Ryder and Emma Thomas, while Newmark Productions' William Tyrer and Chris Ball are executive producing.

The Walt Disney Co. will distribute the film domestically, while Warner Bros. will handle it internationally.

Disney exec Kristin Burr is overseeing.

Johansson, repped by WMA and Melanie Johansson, stars in Woody Allen's "Match Point," which is set for release Dec. 28, as well as in the upcoming thriller "The Black Dahlia." She shot "Scoop" in the summer and also is attached to star in "The Nanny Diaries," which is slated for a February start date in Toronto and New York.