So Which Oscar Winner Will Direct Film Adaptation of Vince Flynn's 'American Assassin'?

Earlier today, CBS Films announced that Oscar winner Edward Zwick (he's responsible for films like The "Last Samurai" and "Blood Diamond") is on board to direct the film adaptation of Vince Flynn's popular book "American Assassin."

The Wrap has more:

"American Assassin" was a No. 1 New York Times bestseller about the fictional CIA agent Rapp. The series has sold more than 32 million copies worldwide.

Although the book is the 11th in the series, it is the origins tale, explaining how Rapp, a college student and athlete who encountered tragedy and was recruited to the CIA -- and set upon a mission of retribution.

Zwick seems ecstatic to be taking the film on. In a press statement that came out earlier today he says, "The Mitch Rapp novels are as thrilling and entertaining as they are relevant and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to translate them to the screen."

Likewise, Flynn has a great deal of confidence in Zwick's ability to bring the characters -- and this intriguing story -- to life. He says, “I have no doubt that Edward Zwick will do an incredible job of bringing Mitch Rapp to the big screen. 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.”

It looks like this could be the beginning of a very exciting franchise.