Scarlett Johansson lined up for period drama

Hollywood beauty Scarlett Johansson is set to play Anne Boleyn's sister Mary in the period drama The Other Boleyn Girl.

The adaptation of Phillipa Gregory's popular historical novel has also attracted the interest of a number of major A-list actors.

Natalie Portman will play Anne Boleyn, who eventually steals the affections of Henry VIII, played by Eric Bana, away from her sister.

The film looks likely to be a hit as it is to be directed by Justin Chadwick, whose previous work includes the Emmy-nominated adaptation of Charles Dickens' Bleak House. Also working his magic is screenwriter Peter Morgan, who wrote the critically-acclaimed two-part series about the English king which starred Ray Winstone.

Those eager to see the no doubt bodice-ripping drama will not have to wait long; filming begins this autumn and it is to be released in 2007.

Johansson is set to light up the big screen in the coming months. She will next be in cinemas starring in Woody Allen's film Scoop and had just finished filming The Nanny Diaries.

Titles related to this article

Related/similar articles

• The Other Boleyn Girl (3 March 2008)
• Bana to play Presley (24 October 2011)
• Avengers Assemble: The A Team (24 April 2012)
• Ray Winstone movie caused Rihanna security panic (7 September 2012)
• Jaime Winstone splits from boyfriend (6 October 2012)