The movie adaptation of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. is shifting into high gear.

The plot follows two top agents (one American, one Russian) from the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (UNCLE) who fight the enemies of international espionage by using their wit, charm, gadgets and deadly skills.

The 1960′s show starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum was a huge hit.

Warner Bros. and director Steven Soderbergh are currently looking for two actors to headline this big budget action flick.

George Clooney was all set to play the American agent, but dropped out due to his ongoing back problems. Soderbergh had hoped to recruit Brad Pitt to play the Russian agent, which would have reunited all three from their last Ocean’s movie.

For the role of  American agent Napoleon Solo, the studio is looking at: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Pine, Bradley Cooper and Jon Hamm.

For the role of Russian agent Illya Kuryakin, the studio is looking at: Ryan Gosling, Alexander Skarsgard, Michael Fassbender, Joel Kinnaman and Robert Pattinson.

It sounds like Soderbergh wants to turn this film into the next big spy-movie franchise and also keep it grounded in real world politics. My choice for the two actors would be Gordon-Levitt and Fassbender. Not big names, but they are up and comers who a studio could build a franchise around.