There really is no shortage of demand for Brad Pitt: the 47 year-old has signed up to star in The Gray Man. Pitt - who is currently filming zombie flick World War Z in the UK - will play a former CIA operative-turned-assassin who is fighting his way across Europe in the adaptation of Mark Greaney's thriller novel.

James Gray will direct the film, while Brad's production company Plan B is also involved, with partner Dede Gardner set to work behind the camera. Adam Cozad has adapted the script, which sees Brad's character attempting to fight off evil forces to save his handler and the handler's family.

The date of filming has not been confirmed, as him and partner Angelina Jolie do not work at the same time, and usually rotate jobs. However, following her debut directorial work on In the Land of Blood and Honey she has no official work, meaning he may film it soon after completion of work on World War Z in early 2012.