Gary Oldman is closing in on a deal to join Denzel Washington in the cast of action epic The Book Of Eli, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The film, to be directed by Albert and Allen Hughes, follows a lone man who crosses a post-apocalyptic America carrying a book that might hold the key to saving humanity.

Oldman will play Carnegie, the ruler of a small town who attempts to take the book for himself.

Gary Whitta and Anthony Peckham penned the screenplay, which will go into production next year in New Mexico targeting a January 15, 2010 release.