Jennifer Aniston is reportedly furious ex-husband Brad Pitt has cast girlfriend Angelina Jolie in the role of late US journalist Daniel Pearl's widow Mariane, because she hoped the part would win her an Oscar.

A Mighty Heart chronicles Mariane's search for her husband, a Wall Street Journal reporter, who was abducted by terrorists and killed in Pakistan in 2002.

And the former Friends star had discussed taking on the role when she helped Pitt acquire the movie rights to Mariane's book.

A source tells British newspaper The Sun, "She's horrified that Brad has handed the role meant for her to Angelina."

"It was Jen who persuaded Daniel Pearl's wife to sell their production company Plan B the movie rights."

"It is heartless but the bottom line is Brad got ownership of the company in their divorce settlement, so he can do what he likes."