Those infamous and busy “insiders” are at it again, spreading their gossip and rumors far and wide. This time the insiders have targeted Edwin A. Salt, a spy movie about a CIA operative accused of being a Russian spy. Tom Cruise is currently planning on playing Mr. Salt (if the title refers to the operative and not some exotic spice.) Michael Mann was planning on directing it, but he bailed to film Public Enemies with Johnny Depp. Rather than fold up their tent, Columbia Pictures is hoping Peter Berg can save the day.

Entertainment Weekly’s Hollywood Insider cites sources saying the studio is “eyeing” Berg. No negotiations have begun, so it’s not totally clear what “eyeing” means. Are they following him down the street? Have they installed secret cameras in his house? Do those cameras interfere with the cameras the government is tracking all of us with? No matter, if things work out, Berg and Cruise will hopefully begin shooting the movie in March with a 2010 release date planned.

I like Berg and after The Kingdom a big budget spy action picture should be no problem. I think this is a good teaming and will reunite the two after they both appeared in, but didn’t share scenes in, Collateral. Interestingly, Collateral was directed by Mann and Mann leaving Edwin A. Salt is what is making it possible for Berg and Cruise to work together. Well, maybe it’s not that interesting after all, but the movie should be.