Robert Pattinson to play military soldier in ‘Mission: Blacklist’

The Twilight Saga heartthrob Robert Pattinson has signed up for the movie "Mission: Blacklist" as Eric Maddox, the soldier who masterminded the 2003 capture of Saddam Hussein, filmmakers confirmed in a Wednesday press release, according to a report on usmagazine.com.

"This movie is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller," producer Ross M. Dinerstein claims.

The producer also said, "I have been inspired by Robert and Jean-Stéphane's dedication to tell this story in the most authentic way possible."

"Mission: Blacklist" is a true story about military interrogator Eric Maddox, who helped plan the capture of Hussein on Dec. 13, 2003. To be directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, and with a screenplay by "Band of Brothers'" Eric Jendresen, the flick is based on the book "Mission: Black List #1", written by Maddox himself. The 25-year-old actor will portray Maddox in the psychological thriller that will detail the inside story of the search for Hussein.

While Pattinson is famous all over the world for playing the mysterious and attractive Edward Cullen in the billion dollar Blockbuster movie "Twilight" , his post-vampire film role choices have become increasingly eclectic. He played the romantic lead role in another hit movie "Water for Elephants", but followed that up with David Cronenberg's adaptation of Don DeLillo's "Cosmopolis". His role in "Mission: Blacklist" will only help to create a new image for Pattinson apart from his vampire roles.

"Mission: Blacklist" is the latest and unexpected film that Pattinson has added to his post-vampire resume, which also includes the sexy costume drama "Bel Ami". Pattinson's final "Twilight" film, "Breaking Dawn - Part 2", is set for release in November. "Black List" sounds like a great project to help Pattinson continue to shed the vampire image.

Before the commencement of shooting for his "Misson: Blacklist", Pattinson has another prestigious flick to promote next month at the Cannes Films Festival. That movie is trippy thriller "Cosmopolis", directed by David Cronenberg and based on a Don Delillo novel. Pattinson's "Twilight" co-star and girlfriend Kristen Stewart will also be at the film festival to promote her new movie, "On the Road".