Gerard Depardieu is circling a lead role on "Marseille", Netflix's first French-language production. The actor is reportedly in talks for a role similar to Kevin Spacey's Francis Underwood on "House of Cards", AceShowbiz reports.

The project is not strictly based on "House of Cards", but has a similar theme centering on Robert Taro, the longtime mayor of the Southern French city, who finds himself facing his ambitious younger protege in an upcoming election. Both candidates will fight mercilessly.

The eight-episode series is created and written by "Carlos" screenwriter Dan Franck. Florent-Emilio Siri ("My Way (Cloclo)", "L'Ennemi intime") is on board to direct the first two episodes, while Samuel Benchetrit ("J'ai toujours reve d'etre un gangster") will be directing some other episodes.

Netflix's European operations chief said that speculation over Depardieu being courted for the role was a "pure rumour mill." Meanwhile, the American-based company declined to comment on the report.

Depardieu took part at this year's Cannes Film Festival to promote his movie "Valley of Love", which drew a standing ovation following its screening at the event.