Michael Mann and Leonardo DiCaprio are to collaborate on a drama about the great American crime wave of the mid-1930s.

Variety reports Universal has acquired screen rights to Public Enemies, a best-selling book by Bryan Burrough.

The film will focus on the struggle between J. Edgar Hoover's nascent FBI and the most famous criminals of the Depression era.

Legends such as John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd are all likely to feature, though Variety says it is not yet known which role DiCaprio will play.

Source: Press Release