Angelina Jolie is set to star in a big budget Hollywood adaptation of the English epic poem "Beowulf" which is to be directed by Robert Zemeckis.

The 30-year-old actress will play the queen of darkness who tempts the Viking during his quest to become king. After having played Colin Farrell's mom in 'Alexander', she is set to star in an adaptation of a story which has been written in the eighth century, as the nasty mother of Grendel, the monster, portrayed by Crispin Glover, who scares the Danes and is defeated by Beowulf, played by Ray Wintsone.

The movie, which is financed by the millionaire American Steve Bing through his company Shangri-La Entertainment, will be distributed by two Hollywood giants, Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros.

Shooting for the movie, which will use stop-motion technology, meaning the cast will act in the studio in front of screens before special effects are added, is set to begin in September. "Beowulf" will be officially released in 2007.


The cast also includes Anthony Hopkins, Robin Wright Penn, Brendan Gleeson and John Malkovich.

Mrs Smith will also be filming The Good Shepherd in New York alongside Matt Damon and director Robert De Niro.

Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie is rumored to have spoken publicly for the first time of her love for Brad Pitt, whom she might marry after the divorce from Jennifer Aniston would have been finalized, according to UK tabloid The Sun.