The villain in question is one Tom Chaney, a murderous outlaw gone into hiding after the brutal slaying of Mattie Ross’s father. He’ll be played by another Coen brothers alumnus in the shape of No Country For Old Men star Josh Brolin.

Having played the hapless hero in that film, we can’t wait to see Brolin in full-on snarling villain mode. With a face carved from granite, and a voice set permanently to growl, he seems a perfect fit for the role. However, his preparation for the part was somewhat unconventional.

“I always listen to music to get into character,” he told ARTISTdirect.com. “I had a song by Macy Gray. I don't know why; I didn't even particularly like the song, but it made me cry every time I heard it. So before I did True Grit, I'd listen to that, and for some reason, it would open me wide-open and it would work.”

Whatever you say Josh, whatever you say…