Universal Pictures may want a piece of Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Bastards."

According to the industry trade papers, Universal is in negotiations to partner with Weinstein Co. on the World War II ensemble drama. It sounds as if Universal would co-finance "Inglorious Bastards" and handle international distribution, though final terms are still being sorted out.

Tarantino hopes to begin production in Germany and France starting in October.

None of the main roles in "Inglorious Bastards" have been cast, though Tarantino's interest in Brad Pitt for a key role is well-established. Variety notes that Pitt and Universal may have some bad blood over the actor's abrupt departure from "State of Play" last year.