David O Russell 'testing actresses for new film'

David O Russell is looking for the female lead in his follow-up to the Oscar-winning film The Fighter, it has been reported.

The director is screen-testing a number of well-known actresses for The Silver Linings Playbook over the weekend, including Elizabeth Banks, Kirsten Dunst, Blake Lively, Rooney Mara, Rachel McAdams, Andrea Riseborough and Olivia Wilde, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Hunger Games actress Jennifer Lawrence is rumoured to be among those being tested as well.

The Silver Linings Playbook will star Fighter actor Mark Wahlberg as a man who emerges from a health facility determined to find happiness in his life after experiencing a mental collapse.

The coveted female lead in the film is that of a woman who embarks on a sexual spree following the death of her husband. She eventually befriends Wahlberg's character, becoming his love interest.

Russell is reportedly wanted to helm the live-action Sleeping Beauty spinoff Maleficent as well.

The director recently stated that he hopes to make a sequel to The Fighter, claiming that the follow-up would focus on boxer Micky Ward's famed battles with Arturo Gatti.

The Silver Linings Playbook is scheduled to start shooting in August.