Uma Thurman signs on for "Bel Ami"

By Borys Kit
20 November 2009 @ 10:04 am EDT

Actress Uma Thurman arrives wearing a Versace gown at the Academy Awards in Hollywood in this March 5, 2006 file photo. Italian fashion house Versace is cutting about a quarter of its global workforce and expects to post a loss this year as it takes a hit from slumping demand for luxury goods and designer items in the financial crisis. The celebrity-favourite fashion brand, whose gowns are worn by Hollywood actresses such as Angelina Jolie, is taking measures aimed at returning the group to profitability in 2011, it said in an emailed statement on October 28, 2009. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/files

Uma Thurman soon will be making time with Rob Pattinson.

The actress has signed to star opposite the "Twilight" star in an adaptation of Guy de Maupassant's short story "Bel Ami." Kristin Scott Thomas also has joined the cast.

"Ami" tells of George Duroy (Pattinson), a young journalist who rose from poverty to become one of the most successful men in Paris via the ruthless and calculating bedding of the city's most glamorous and influential women. Thurman plays the wife of Duroy's friend, a woman well connected in Parisian society. She helps Duroy in his ascent, later becoming his wife.

Thomas plays a socialite who falls for Duroy.

London theater director Declan Donnellan is making his film debut with "Ami," which Uberto Pasolini is producing through his Redwave Films. The movie is scheduled to shoot next year in Paris.

It had been erroneously reported that Nicole Kidman would star with Pattinson. Kidman had an offer, but a deal never followed.

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