Joe Carnahan is in talks to direct Sugar Bandits for Universal Pictures, an adaptation of Chuck Hogan's novel Devils In Exile.

The story centers on Neal Maven, an Iraq War veteran who is having a hard time finding work after the war in his hometown of Boston. He teams up with a group of fellow veterans, who rob drug dealers for their money, while destroying the illegal drugs at the same time. The novel was published by Scribner in 2010.

Marc Shmuger and Tom McNulty are producing through their Global Produce company, with Richard Abate executive producing. No production schedule was given.

Joe Carnahan last directed 2012's The Grey. He was recently attached to direct the Death Wish remake, before he dropped out due to creative differences in February.