Chris Evans replaces James Franco in The Iceman

Captain America himself, Chris Evans, has stepped in to replace James Franco in the film adaptation of Anthony Bruno’s novel The Iceman: The True Story of a Cold-Blooded Killer.

According to EW, Evans will play the mentor of mob-hit man Richard Kuklinski. Franco left the project last month due to financial issues. This is despite the fact a poster for the film advertising his involvement had been released to entice investors.

Michael Shannon (Take Shelter, the upcoming Man of Steel) stars as Kuklinski, who claimed to have committed more than 100 murders over the course of his career.

Production on The Iceman begins next January. Ariel Vromen is set to direct.

Discuss: Is Evans a suitable replacement? Can he convince as Michael Shannon’s mentor?