Vin Diesel previously exited video game property

As has long been rumored online, Timothy Olyphant has signed on to play Agent 47 in the big screen version of the videogame franchise "Hitman."

Olyphant takes over for Vin Diesel in the Luc Besson-produced flick, which will be directed by feature first-timer Xavier Gens. Skip Wood scripted the flick, focusing on the unnamed and genetically engineered assassin.

According to Variety, production will begin at an undisclosed European location starting in March.

Olyphant has the male lead in the upcoming romantic comedy "Catch and Release," opposite Jennifer Garner. The "Scream 2" co-star and occasional Los Angeles radio sports news reporter will play the baddie in the summer sequel "Live Free or Die Hard."