There are many fads that come and go in Hollywood, but one that will never disappear is the spy thriller. From James Bond to Jason Bourne To Jack Ryan, audiences have spent decades watching their favorite male stars kick ass and shoot people. Brad Pitt has had some experience playing the character type, having played in movies such as Mr. And Mrs. Smith and Spy Game, but now it's his turn to go hardcore.

Deadline has learned that Pitt is now in negotiations to star in The Gray Man, an adaptation of the Mark Greaney novel that is set to be directed by James Gray. In the film, Pitt would play Court "The Gray Man" Gentry a former CIA operative who becomes an elite assassin. When the life of Gentry's handler is put in jeopardy, however, he must travel across Europe and take down special forces operatives in order to save him. Pitt was first mentioned in connection with the project back in January, but it wasn't clear if the actor would be available (he and Jolie don't do projects at the same time so that one of them can be with the kids). The script was written by Adam Cozad, who also wrote the upcoming Jack Ryan reboot starring Chris Pine.

It's fairly surprising that Pitt has never really played a character like this before. He does have action experience and the strong jaw looks of a professional spy-turned-assassin. Considering that Court Gentry is part of a series of novels, perhaps this could be a brand new franchise. Needless to say, this is long overdue and should the negotiations go through, we could be in for a fun ride.