'Sequel plan' for Departed film

The Departed has already earned numerous honours

A sequel to hit crime thriller and Oscars contender The Departed is being considered, according to reports.

Writer William Monahan is working on a new story involving the police officer played by Mark Wahlberg, the Hollywood Reporter trade paper has said.

It would also reportedly introduce a new character played by Robert De Niro.

The Departed director Martin Scorsese would need to approve any follow-up, the report said. The film has been nominated for five Academy Awards.

Starring Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon, it has been a hit in the US and UK.

The movie is a remake of the 2002 Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs, and Warner Bros has the rights to that film's two sequels.

UK bookmaker Ladbrokes has made The Departed favourite to be named best picture at next month's Oscars, at odds of 10/11.

Director Martin Scorsese has never won an Academy Award

Scorsese is 1/3 favourite to win his first best director Academy Award, from six nominations going back to Raging Bull in 1981.

Wahlberg earned a best supporting actor nomination for his scene-stealing performance as a foul-mouthed police officer.

It is also nominated for the best adapted screenplay honour and best editing.