Chris Evans has been cast in The Iceman, taking the role of Robert Pronge, a mentor to a notorious mob hitman.

The Captain America: The First Avenger actor takes over from James Franco who has left the project due to contract issues.

The movie is based on Anthony Bruno's mafia novel The Iceman: The True Story of a Cold Blooded Killer.

He will star opposite Michael Shannon who plays Richard Kuklinski, a family man by day and notorious contract killer by night.

Richard Kukliniski, responsible for hundreds of murders, earned himself the name The Iceman by freezing his victims' bodies to confuse the police.

Chris Evans' character drives an ice-cream van to monitor his own victim's movements, earning him the nickname 'Mr Softee'.

The movie will be directed and co-written by Ariel Vromen, with filming kicking off in January 2012.

Chris Evans can be seen reprising his role as Captain America in the The Avengers which opens on 27 April 2012. Source: www.totalfilm.com

David Schwimmer to play contract killer in The Iceman [11th November 2011 12:20:17]

For fans of Friends (AKA everyone), Ross Geller's loveable and dopey reputation could be torn to shreds in a brave move from David Schwimmer.

Variety reports that his next project will see him star in The Iceman, Ariel Vromen's indie drama that follows Michael Shannon (General Zod in upcoming Superman flick Man Of Steel) as the titular mafia hit man, Richard Kuklinski, who murdered over 200 people.

Since its announcement, both Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ray Liotta have jumped on board, with James Franco leaving the project for unknown reasons.

Schwimmer, who directed Run, Fatboy, Run and did voice-work in Madagascar, will play Jack Rosenthal - a contract killer who works for Liotta's mob boss.

Can't imagine him going for coffee with mates in Central Perk, can you?

The Iceman hits cinemas in 2013. Source: www.totalfilm.com