Filmmaker James Gray has just landed an appropriate new project, signing on to direct an adaptation of The Gray Man, an adaptation of Mark Greaney's novel, for New Regency.

Adam Cozad is adapting the novel, which revolves around a former CIA agent-turned hitman. He goes on a dangerous mission across Europe to save his CIA handler and his family. Cozad is no stranger to the spy world, as he just recently wrote Moscow, Paramount's reboot of the Jack Ryan franchise which will star Chris Pine.

James Gray said that he plans to break new ground with the spy thriller, with The Gray Man, since it will be told from the point of view of the assassin. The style will differ from movies like Paul Greengrass' The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum:

What he 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 sympathize with a professional hitman. You humanize him by never distancing yourself from his experience. This story has emotional stakes that enable me to do that."

James Gray is also developing a smaller project, which he is writing himself. Cozad is rewriting the script for The Gray Man and the movie that comes together first will be Gray's next picture. No plot details were given for Gray's other project.