LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) --- The Walt Disney Co. has crowned Clive Owen as "King Arthur" and is in negotiations with fellow British actor Stephen Dillane to take on the role of Merlin in the studio's Jerry Bruckheimer-produced take on the medieval legend.

The project, being eyed for a spring start with "Training Day" helmer Antoine Fuqua set to direct, is described as a demystified take on the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and promises a more realistic portrayal of Arthur than has ever been presented onscreen. The film will focus on the history and politics of the period during which Arthur ruled -- when the Roman empire collapsed and skirmishes over power broke out in outlying countries -- as opposed to the mystical elements of the tale on which past Arthur films have focused.

The "Arthur" project originated in 2000 when scribe David Franzoni ("Gladiator") approached Bruckheimer Films execs Chad Oman and Mike Stenson with an outline for a more realistic version of the Arthur legend. Franzoni then developed the outline into a full script, which has since been revised by John Lee Hancock. Oman and Stenson will executive produce.

Disney production executive Jason Reed is overseeing for the studio.

Owen's credits include starring roles in "The Bourne Identity," "Gosford Park," "Croupier" and the popular series of BMW short films "The Hire." He can next be seen in the upcoming Paramount drama "Beyond Borders" opposite Angelina Jolie and in the upcoming Paramount Classics project "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead." He is repped by CAA.

Dillane, who most recently appeared in the Oscar-nominated drama "The Hours," has also had roles in "The Truth About Charlie," "Spy Game" and "Two if by Sea." He is repped by Endeavor.