American Gun: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Forest Whitaker has pacted to topline -- and executive produce through his Spirit Dance production banner -- IFC Films' ensemble drama American Gun.

Sources said Donald Sutherland, Linda Cardellini and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon are in negotiations to join Whitaker.

Newcomer Aric Avelino will make his feature directing debut on the project, which explores "a series of interwoven story lines focusing on how the proliferation of guns in America affects and shapes lives, often inciting dramatic shifts in both behavior and outlook," the filmmakers said.