Ali Larter is to reprise the role of Claire Redfield in the 'Resident Evil' franchise.

The 39-year-old actress - who starred as the video game hero in the earlier movies, 'Resident Evil: Extinction' and 'Resident Evil: Afterlife' - is to return to the character in the final chapter of the franchise.

Filming on the Paul W.S. Anderson-directed movie is set to begin in September in South Africa and it's been revealed that the plotline will pick up from 'Resident Evil: Retribution'.

In January, Ali gave birth to her second child, Vivienne Margaret MacArthur, with husband Hayes MacArthur and they subsequently said they ''couldn't be more excited'' about their new arrival.

The former 'Heroes' actress wrote on her website: ''It's a girl! We couldn't be more excited to share news of the arrival of Vivienne Margaret MacArthur on Thursday January 15th 2015. She came bearing gifts for her brother: Batman sheets and lots of Gummy Bears!!! 7.5 lbs of love. (sic)''

During her first pregnancy, Ali announced she was pregnant with her son Theodore - who's now four years of age - on an episode of 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon', but the couple decided not to find out whether they were expecting a boy or a girl this time around.

She said: ''Last time, we knew we were having a boy but this time, it's fun having this little surprise in here.''