Clifton Collins Jr. joins Guillermo Del Toro's Pacific Rim

I'm sure most people will look at Clifton Collins' big breakout as a serious actor in 2005's Capote, where he gave a powerful, magnetic supporting performance opposite Philip Seymour Hoffman. But for me he'll always be the drugged out Rupert Guest in The Rules of Attraction. I know I know, not his best role but I love that movie and everyone in it. Collins has gone on to become one of my favorite actors, lighting up some great films over the last few years, such as Sunshine Cleaning, The Perfect Game, and his hilarious cameo in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. While he's proven himself capable as a leading man and bit player(look for him as a bad guy in Star Trek), what he hasn't really had the chance to do was go balls out against a horde of invading aliens.

Variety reports that Collins has joined the cast of Pacific Rim, Guillermo Del Toro's massive monster flick. Written by Travis Beacham, the story(once rumored to be a Godzilla pic) shows how humans gather together using futuristic weaponry and mechs to battle the attacking creatures. Set to shoot in Japan, Pacific Rim won't hit theaters until July 12th 2013.

No word on the specifics of Collins' role. He'll join Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Charlie Day, Rinko Kikuchi, Rob Kazinsky, Max Martini, and an unconfirmed Willem Dafoe.