Jolie takes new suspense thriller to the big screen

Angelina Jolie has landed a role in another suspense thriller - as a crime-solving medical examiner in a new film based on Patricia Cornwell's bestselling novels.

Jolie has signed on to play the title character from Cornwell's 16 novel series about forensic examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta - a woman with a messy love life who solves crime and loves the opera.

According to Variety, the film will not focus on a specific Cornwell title. But insiders say the deal could mean the start of a new franchise for the actress - who had her last series success with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.

The thriller is the latest in a string of crime-fighting characters for Jolie, who's starred in action films including Wanted, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Gone in Sixty Seconds.

Studio bosses have yet to line up a screenwriter or director for the new film.

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