Knightley to star in Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina

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Hollywood actress Keira Knightley will star in director Joe Wright’s adaptation of the epic Leo Tolstoy novel, Anna Karenina.

The 26-year-old will be seen opposite Jude Law and Aaron Johnson in the film, Contactmusic reported.

"Joe Wright will direct the epic romance Anna Karenina, adapted from Leo Tolstoy's classic novel by Academy award winner Tom Stoppard. The Working Title Films production will commence filming in the UK and Russia this month," said an announcement by the production company.

Wright has worked with Knightley on literary adaptations twice before with movies 'Pride & Prejudice' and 'Atonement'.

Anna Karenina was published in 1873, the novel is considered one of the world's great pieces of literature and is the story of love within the Russian aristocracy.

Knightley first came to national attention after starring in 2002 comedy drama 'Bend It Like Beckham'. She gained international recognition following her appearance opposite Johnny Depp in 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.

The actress is currently filming alongside Steve Carell in 'Seeking a Friend for the End of the World', which is the story of a man who tries to find his childhood sweetheart before an asteroid crashes into the Earth.