By Mary McSweeney Nov 3, 2007, 17:58 GMT
American style icon and burlesque queen Dita Von Teese will star as exotic dancer and World War I double agent Mata Hari in a new movie.
10/24/2007 - Dita Von Teese - © Glenn Harris / PR Photos
The 35-year-old Teese has signed up for the lead role in a new biopic about the tragic Dutch star, who was executed by a firing squad after being exposed as a double agent during World War I.
Director Martha Fiennes - whose brothers are actors Ralph and Joseph - said: "Dita has done a little acting before and I think she can handle it.
"In fact, I approached her myself. She is perfect for the part.
"I have written the script but it will probably need some developing, so I don't expect filming to start for another eight to 10 months."
The Sun reports that Dita Von Teese, born Heather Sweet, "will have plenty of time to practice for the role as shooting won’t being for to start until late 2008."
Hari - real name Margaretha Geertruida Zelle - was originally a spy for the French during the war and acted as a courtesan to many high-ranking allied military officers.
In 1917, she was accused of providing information to the Germans and was subsequently executed in France.
According to IMDB, Von Teese is also set to play young stripper Adeline Winter in the upcoming movie "The Boom Boom Room" with katherine Helmond and Willie Nelson.
Your Talkback on this Story