James Gray to direct thriller 'Gray Man'

Two Lovers director James Gray has signed to helm a film adaptation of novel The Gray Man.

The thriller project is based on the book by Mark Greaney, reports Deadline.

Screenwriter Adam Cozad is adapting the novel for film. Cozad is the writer penning Paramount's next Jack Ryan movie starring Chris Pine and based on the Tom Clancy book series.

The Gray Man follows a former CIA agent-turned-mercenary who fights to save his handler's life.

Gray said that his film would differ from other action thrillers, namely Paul Greengrass's Bourne movies.

"What [Greengrass] did was a documentary-style objective approach, and he owns that style. I want to do the opposite, which feels like a good way to sympathise with a professional hitman," he explained.

"You humanise him by never distancing yourself from his experience. This story has emotional stakes that enable me to do that."

Gray's other films include We Own the Night, The Yards and Little Odessa.