Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender are in talks to star in a feature adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s ‘Jane Eyre.’

The classic novel is about Jane, an orphan turned governess who finds herself at Thornfield Manor, in the employ of the surly but enigmatic and mysterious Edward Rochester. A romance ensues but Rochester is harboring a terrible secret. The novel is full of dark, sinister gothic elements, which the period piece will reportedly play up. 

The 1847 book has been adapted many, many times — including five silent film versions – most recently for the big screen in 1996 by Franco Zeffirelli. That version starred William Hurt and Charlotte Gainsbourg. ‘Jane Eyre’ has also been adapted for stage, ballet, opera and symphony.

Wasikowska, who will soon appear in Tim Burton’s ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ alongside Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, replaces Ellen Page, who was attached to play Jane but left the project. Wasikowska is also set to star in an untitled Gus Van Sant project.

Michael Fassbender’s credits include ‘Inglourious Basterds’ and ‘Hunger.’ He will also appear in the screen adaptation of ‘Jonah Hex.’

‘Jane Eyre’ will be directed by Cary Fukunaga, whose only other feature is ‘Sin Nombre,’ an award-winning Spanish film.

(Photo by PR Photos)

Story provided by the Dish Information Corporation