SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR - 'BUFFY STAR STILL SET TO PLAY ALICE'

SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR has quashed rumours that she has been dropped from her starring role as Alice in the movie of the same name.

The film is said to be a "dark" version of the classic children's tale, based upon American McGee's cult computer game, reports Empire magazine.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Free, the former teen vampire slayer said: "It's a passion project of mine. It's a story that I'd love to see. I'm fearful at this rate that I'm going to be the Queen of Hearts because I'm going to be too old to be Alice.

"It's something I'd really like to see done. And unfortunately, it was the victim of regime change in the studio. And I'm not getting out. And contrary to what you may have read, it's still my project."

The story of ALICE sees the heroine being freed from a lunatic asylum ten years after her initial encounter with Wonderland.

Finding that her family has been killed Alice returns to the magical land, which has become increasingly sinister.

The project is one of a number of adaptations of the Lewis Carroll story being planned.

TIM BURTON is working on a 3D version, while child star DAKOTA FANNING will appear in a family friendly account.

Meanwhile, Sarah Michelle has currently being promoting her new film THE AIR I BREATHE.

The actress appears alongside Hollywood heavyweights FOREST WHITAKER, BRENDAN FRASER and KEVIN BACON in the story of significant incidents in four people's lives.