Brad Pitt

Los Angeles, June 20 (Reuters): Billy Bob Thornton and Brad Pitt now have something more than Angelina Jolie in common.

Thornton has signed to star in a feature film adaptation of Peace Like a River, a Warner Bros project on which Pitt will serve as a producer.

Based on the book by Leif Enger, Peace is a tale of loyalty and revenge that revolves around an American family that gets into a deadly spat with some neighbourhood thugs. No director is in place.

Thornton recently wrapped shooting on Bad News Bears. He last was seen in Friday Night Lights and is shooting Mr. Woodcock.

Pitt stars in last weekend’s box office champ Mr. & Mrs. Smith, alongside rumoured paramour Jolie, Thornton’s ex-wife.

Also producing 'Peace Like a River' is Hollywood veteran David Brown, who acquired the book in 2001 with his own money, and his business partner Kit Golden.