Collins, Kitsch join cast of Mars' film

LOS ANGELES, June 13 (UPI) -- Actor Taylor Kitsch and actress Lynn Collins have reportedly joined the cast of the upcoming U.S. film "John Carter of Mars."

The Hollywood Reporter said Friday that Kitsch, known for his role as Tim Riggins on the TV series "Friday Night Lights," has been tabbed to play the title character of the film being directed for Disney.

The film, which will be directed by "Finding Nemo" director Andrew Stanton, will follow a Civil War veteran who suddenly finds himself mired in a battle between two races on Mars.

Collins, whose films credits include "Down with Love" and "50 First Dates," will play the heir to the Helium kingdom throne on Mars.

Both Collins and Kitsch recently appeared on-screen together in the action film "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."

The Reporter said Mark Andrews helped Stanton write the screenplay for "Mars," adapting their work from a book series written by author Edgar Rice Burroughs.