Kate Beckinsale to star in 'Barbarella' remake

Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 1:54 PM Central

by Tim Briscoe

British web site Life Style Extra is reporting that Kate Beckinsale has been cast as the lead in an update of Barbarella. The 1968 sexy sci-fi film starred Jane Fonda.

Sienna Miller, Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry were previously rumored to be in consideration for the role. Hannibal Rising director Peter Webber will helm the film with Casino Royale scribes Robert Wade and Neal Purvis reworking the screenplay. Of the project, producer Dino De Laurentiis said, "The reinvented heroine will be akin to a female James Bond -- in outer space." De Laurentiis also the produced the original.

Beckinsale is no stranger to action/fantasy with roles in Van Helsing and both Underworld movies.

No word on the start date for the film or its release.

Update: After doing further research, this is not the official casting announcement. The tip comes from a British tabloid which may or may not be all that credible. Regardless, the possibility of seeing Kate in the role has made me eager with anticipation.