R-Patz linked to Hussein thriller

Robert Pattinson is set to play the man who led the hunt to find Saddam Hussein, according to reports.

The Twilight star, 25, has signed up to star as Eric Maddox, the military interrogator who played a key role in finding the Iraqi dictator, in the psychological thriller Mission: Blacklist, said Deadline.

The film is based on the book Mission: Black List #1: The Inside Story Of The Search For Saddam Hussein, written by Maddox and Davin Seay.

Johnny Mad Dog filmmaker Jean-Stephane Sauvaire will direct the movie, adapted by Band Of Brothers writer and producer Erik Jendresen.

"This movie is a gripping, edge of your seat thriller. I have been inspired by Robert and Jean-Stephane's dedication to tell this story in the most authentic way possible," said Ross M Dinerstein from production company Preferred Content.

R-Patz has recently been re-shooting technical scenes as vampire Edward Cullen for Breaking Dawn: Part 2, the final film in the Twilight franchise.

His new film, Cosmopolis, directed by David Cronenberg, will be shown in competition at the Cannes film festival this month.