Hoffman is the actor in demand

HOLLYWOOD, June 16 (UPI) -- Philip Seymour Hoffman, star of "Capote," is Hollywood's man of the hour with leading roles in "Charlie Wilson's War" and "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead."

The 2006 Oscar winner will play the CIA agent who with a rogue Texas congressman arms Afghan rebels against Soviet troops in "Charlie Wilson's War," a thriller adapted by Aaron Sorkin from George Crile's novel. The film will be directed by Mike Nichols and produced for Universal by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman of Playtone, Daily Variety reported.

Hoffman will star in Capitol Films' "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead," directed by Sidney Lumet and produced by Michael Cerenzie. Lumet, Kelly Masterson and Austin Chick wrote the script about brothers who unsuccessfully attempt to rob their parents' jewelry store. Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney and Marisa Tomei are also cast.

Hoffman recently appeared in "Mission: Impossible III" and is playing opposite Laura Linney in the indie drama "The Savages."