Keira Knightley and Richard Gere signed for The Emperor’s Children

First she starred in Atonement, directed by Joe Wright from Ian McEwan's novel of the same name. Later this year she'll be seen in Never Let Me Go, a film version of Kazuo Ishiguro's moving novel. Now Keira Knightley looks set to complete a hat-trick of big screen adaptations of Booker-nominated novels.

Keira Knightley, Eric Bana and Richard Gere have signed up to star in The Emperor's Children, the new movie from Noah Baumbach (The Squid And The Whale).

Baumbach has a background in the familial dramas of middle-class New Yorkers, having written and directed The Squid and the Whale, and Margot at the Wedding. He was reported to be simply scripting The Emperor's Children, with Ron Howard directing, but Howard has now handed over the reins to instead direct an infidelity comedy starring Vince Vaughn. He will remain onboard as a producer.

Based on Claire Messud's 2006 novel, the dramedy centres on three Brown University alumni who are struggling with their personal and professional lives as they reach their 30s. Gere, who last appeared in Hachi: A Dog's Tale, will take on a supporting role.

Filming is due to start this summer.

Ron Howard and Brian Grazer are producing the movie, which will begin shooting this summer.

Knightley recently confirmed that she won't reprise her role as Elizabeth Swann in Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Keira Knightley Profile | Richard Gere Profile | Eric Bana Profile