Colin Firth joins cast of Dorian Gray

Colin Firth has signed up for a leading role in the forthcoming adaptation of The Picture Of Dorian Gray.

Ben Barnes, fresh from his success as Prince Caspian, is to take the role Of Dorian Gray in the movie.

Oliver Parker is to helm the movie adapted from Oscar Wilde's classic novel, which tells the story of a handsome young man whose debauched lifestyle only shows on a portrait hidden in his attic.

Firth is to take the role of Lord Henry Wooton – the aristocrat who tempts Gray into a world of excess.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Parker intends to make "a visceral, dark horror story" which comments on the nature of modern stardom.

The story has been adapted for the big screen more than a dozen times, with five of the movies being made between 1913 and 1917.

Firth can currently be seen in Abba musical Mamma Mia!

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