Robert Pattinson has joined the cast of 'Mission: Blacklist'.

The British actor - best known for portraying vampire Edward Cullen in the vampire movie series 'Twilight' - will take a leading role in the military thriller about the search for Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Jean Stephane Sauvaire will direct the movie, which is based on the novel 'Mission: Black List #1' by Eric Maddox and David Seay.

Ross M. Dinerstein, Erik Jendresen and Kevil Waller are to produce the picture.

Embankment Films will be attempting to sell the movie at the Cannes Film Festival.

Robert - who is currently back in Vancouver, Canada, to reshoot scenes for 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2' with girlfriend Kristen Stewart' - recently starred in 'Bel Ami' alongside Christina Ricci and Uma Thurman, and will next be seen in 'Cosmopolis'.

It is believed Robert will have to wear a wig for his new 'Twilight' scenes because he recently shaved his head.

A source said: ''The wig looks brilliant and nobody will notice. Robert didn't think cutting off his locks would be such a big deal.''