Brad Pitt to play leading role in Red Dead Redemption movie?

What we heard: In November 2009 Brad Pitt's production companies Reliance Big Entertainment and Plan B Entertainment bought the rights to the forthcoming Dark Void film, but that may not be the only movie project tied to the storied actor.

Sources told the Hollywood news outlet Showbizspy that Brad Pitt is the "hot favorite" to star in an upcoming film based on the events of Rockstar Games' critically lauded and commercially successful Western, Red Dead Redemption. The sources say the Fight Club and Meet Joe Black star will play the game's troubled protagonist, John Marston.

“This is an exciting project with a great character at the center of it,” a source told the Web site. “The idea is to make this in the style of an epic Western movie but with a few modern touches. Brad is perfect for the role and he is being given first refusal.”

Unfortunately, the report did not include the names of possible supporting cast members, a projected release date for the film, or any other details on the project.

The official story: A Rockstar Games representative told GameSpot, "We do not comment on rumor or speculation."

Bogus or not bogus?: Today's rumor is the first mention of a Red Dead Redemption film. While fans may be excited about the prospect of a film based on the game, if the project is real, it's likely only in the very early planning stages.

Further, Pitt is one of Hollywood's biggest stars, and he is likely offered "first refusal"--the ability to be the first actor to say no to a project--frequently. If the project is indeed real, Pitt may pass on the project, leaving the Marston role open to another actor.