Two of Hollywood’s twangiest rom-com stars are pairing up for a new drama. Director Jeff Nichols announced today that he’s negotiating with Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon to take the leads in his new film, Mud, where McConaughey would play the titular role of a charismatic fugitive who escapes bounty hunters (shirtlessly?) with the help of a teenage boy so that he can reunite with the love of his life, Juniper (Witherspoon). It’s the sort of premise that could go either way, but Nichols just directed the gangbusters Sundance thriller Take Shelter, where Michael Shannon gives a volcanic performance, so we’re leaning toward optimism.