Pitt to play gunslinger

Brad Pitt will play gunslinger Jesse James in a new Western based on a novel by Robert Hansen, The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford.

Robert Ford was a member of the legendary James posse and reportedly started out worshipping the man who was known as the fastest gun in the West.

He eventually became jealous of the famous cowboy and shot him in the back, hoping to take over the gang and enhance his own status and reputation. Instead he was branded a coward.

The film will probably be directed by Andrew Dominik an Australian known for his spectacular commercials, who also made the film Chopper.