ACTOR Tommy Lee Jones is set to star in “Stoner,” the next project from Brit director Joe Wright (“Atonement”).

The film, which is being produced by Blumhouse Productions and backed by the Cohen Media Group and Film4, is based on John Williams’ 1965 novel, adapted by Andrew Bovell, and will see the Oscar-winning actor team with newly minted Academy Award winner Casey Affleck, whose casting was announced last month. Although the book wasn’t a hit when it was first published, it became a best-seller after being reissued in 2003.

Affleck is set to play the title role of William Stoner, a dirt-poor farmer turned academic who emerges as an unlikely existential hero while making his way through the first half of the 20th century. Jones’ character isn’t yet known.

Jason Blum, Charles S. Cohen of CMG and Daniel Battsek of Film4 will serve as producers on “Stoner,” with Ethan Hawke as executive producer. Battsek brought the project to Film4 when he was at CMG.

Jones is next set to appear in “Shock and Awe” and the action comedy “Just Getting Started.” (SD-Agencies)