Jolie taking Cruise's spot in upcoming thriller?

Peter Berg, the director of "Hancock" and "Friday Night Lights," has been working on a new espionage thriller titled "Edwin A. Salt." The plot focuses on a CIA officer named -- surprise! -- Edwin A. Salt, who is accused of betraying the American government, spying for the Russians and planning a presidential assassination. The film follows Salt as he attempts to reunite with his family and prove his innocence.

Tom Cruise had planned on taking the lead role but backed out at the last minute, according to today's issue of the UK's "Daily Telegraph." Jolie took an interest in the film, jumped in and got the part. Apparently, screenwriter Kurt Wimmer is adjusting his script to accommodate a female role. I'm uncertain how this will figure into the movie's title, however, considering it IS named after the male character. We'll just have to see.