Billy Bob Thornton is to play a villain in 'Out of the Furnace'.

The actor will join Christian Bale, Zoe Saldana and Casey Affleck for the movie, about a man who tracks down his brother's killer after he is released from prison.

Forest Whitaker is also set to play a leading part in the Scott Cooper-directed picture.

Billy Bob will play the leading bad guy in the project, taking over from 'A Dangerous Method' actor Viggo Mortensen, who was originally attached to the part.

Forest will be playing someone closely attached to the death of the brother.

Billy Bob - who used to be married to Angelina Jolie - is best known for roles in 'Sling Blade' and 'Armageddon', and is currently filming a part in 'Red Machine'.

He was last seen as Skip Caldwell in 'Jayne Mansfield's Car'.

Oscar-winner Forest recently played the role of Sam Cooper in TV series 'Criminal Minds: Suspicious Behaviour' and has roles lined up in 'Freelancers', 'Bill's Law' and 'A Single Shot'.