Zwick to direct film version of 'Assassin'

LOS ANGELES, June 8 (UPI) -- CBS Films says it has hired Edward Zwick to direct a big-screen adaptation of Vince Flynn's novel, "American Assassin."

The movie will be based on an origin story told in the 11th entry in the series of books about CIA Agent Mitch Rapp.

"The Mitch Rapp novels are as thrilling and entertaining as they are relevant," Zwick said in a statement, "and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to translate them to the screen."

"I have no doubt that Edward Zwick will do an incredible job of bringing Mitch Rapp to the big screen," added Flynn. "Ed is among the smartest and most innovative filmmakers in Hollywood and I am fully confident that he is the right man for this job."

Zwick's film credits include "Love & Other Drugs," "The Last Samurai" and "Blood Diamond." He penned the script for "American Assassin" with Marshall Herskovitz.

Lorenzo di Bonaventura is producing the picture through his di Bonaventura Pictures, and Nick Wechsler will also produce along with Zwick and Herskovitz, CBS Films said.