Rourke to play hit man in 'St. Vincent'

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Mickey Rourke will follow up his highly lauded performance in "The Wrestler" by playing a hit man in the movie "St. Vincent," industry sources say.

The Hollywood Reporter said Friday the 56-year-old actor, whose career was rejuvenated with "The Wrestler," has signed on to play a professional killer in director Walter Hill's newest project.

Rourke and Hill previously collaborated in the 1989 movie "Johnny Handsome."

In the new Occupant Films and Secret Handshake Entertainment project, Rourke's character hears his target's confession while masquerading as a priest for his hired killing.

Occupant's last production was 2008's "The Wackness," while Secret Handshake is currently working on "A Little Help" starring "The Office" star Jenna Fischer.

Production on "Vincent," based on an original script by Cameron Young, will likely begin this year, the Reporter said.