ALICIA KEYS - ALICIA KEYS EYES ASSASSIN ROLE

Grammy-winning soul star ALICIA KEYS is eyeing a role as a ruthless assassin alongside BEN AFFLECK, in a new action comedy called SMOKIN' ACES. The FALLIN' singer is also expected to star alongside RYAN REYNOLDS and JEREMY PIVEN in the movie, which will be directed by film-maker JOE CARNAHAN.

In Smokin' Aces, Reynolds will play an FBI agent masterminding a manhunt for Piven's loudmouthed stand-up comedian character. With the comic making plans to testify against the mafia, Keys and a collection of fellow hired killers seek to cash in on the contract on his life, reports MTV News.

Keys recently signed a deal portray piano player PHILIPPA SCHUYLER in HALLE BERRY's film based on the book COMPOSITIONS IN BLACK AND WHITE.