Parkland has cast Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob Thornton and Jacki Weaver, Digital Spy said.

The John F Kennedy biopic will be written and helmed by Peter Landesman in his directorial debut.

Named for the Dallas hospital to which Kennedy was taken following the infamous 1963 shooting, the film centres around those hectic hours in Parkland.

Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman will produce in association with Exclusive Media.

The film will be based on Vincent Bugliosi's book Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F Kennedy.

"Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman are two exceptional producers with great taste, so we are delighted to be collaborating with them on this fascinating film about such a significant chapter in American history," said Exclusive Media co-chairmen Nigel Sinclair and Guy East.

"Paul, Billy Bob and Jacki are perfectly cast to bring Vincent's book to life. It's the definitive account of the untold events that took place in Parkland Hospital on that infamous day - it's a unique and compelling story and Peter's adaptation is remarkable."

The film is scheduled for release in 2013, the 50th anniversary of JFK's assassination.