Dame Helen Mirren is to star in an espionage thriller based on a series of comic books, it has been reported.

The 64-year-old British actress - who scooped an Oscar for her performance in 2006's The Queen - will join Hollywood stars Morgan Freeman and Bruce Willis in Red, reports Variety.

The movie will be based on three books written by British author Warren Ellis, which follow a retired secret agent (Willis) whose life is turned upside down when he is targeted by an assassin sent by a CIA boss (Freeman).

It's thought Mirren will play one of Willis's character's former colleagues.

Red will be directed by Robert Schwentke, who has been at the helm of movies including Flightplan and The Time Traveller's Wife.

Earlier this year Schwentke told MTV News the film's tone would be lighter than the original tale.

He said of the script: "It's very funny, which the comic book isn't. I like switching gears and this is a movie that allows me to do something lighthearted in tone and is also an action movie."

Production on Red is due to start early next year and the industry mag says the movie is expected to be out in 2010.

Wed 4 Nov