David Paymer has joined the cast of the currently-in-production Jack Ryan. Variety reports that he'll star as an American diplomat opposite Chris Pine, Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner, Peter Andersson and Kenneth Branagh in the Branagh-directed film.

Pine plays the Tom Clancy character, which has previously appeared in the novel-to-screen adaptations The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger and The Sum of All Fears.

Paymer, known for his extensive work as a character actor, most recently appeared in The Five-Year Engagement.

The Paramount Pictures and Skydance Productions project will hit theaters on Christmas Day 2013.

(Photo Credit: Daniel Padilla / WENN)