Jennifer Aniston has joined the cast of 'The Yellow Birds.'

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston

The 46-year-old actress is set to take on the leading role alongside Jack Huston, 32 in the developing new Iraq War drama film after Benedict Cumberbatch was forced to drop out due to conflicting schedules, according to Empire.com.

The gripping movie is based on the novel of the same name by war veteran Kevin Powers as it focuses on two young soldiers, who meet at boot camp on the evening of their deployment and go through the horror of war together.

Aniston will play the mother of Private Murphy - who is portrayed by Tye Sheridan - while Huston will take on the role of Staff Sergeant Sterling. Alden Ehrenreich has been signed up to play the other soldier, Private Bartle.

The film will be adapted by David Lowery, while Alexandre Moors has been employed as the director.

Shooting for the new blockbuster will kick off next year.

Meanwhile, Aniston is currently filming 'Mother's Day' alongside Julia Roberts and Kate Hudson and has also joined forces with Robert De Niro for 'The Comedian.'

Huston can next be seen starring in the 'Ben-Hur' remake with Morgan Freeman and followed by 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' early next year.