JENNIFER CONNELLY - CONNELLY AND KEANU STAND STILL

Jennifer Connelly is to appear alongside Keanu Reeves in 20th Century Fox's upcoming remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still, according to Variety.

The Labyrinth actress is to portray Helen Benson, the role interpreted by Patricia Neal in the original 1951 movie, while Matrix star Reeves set to play Klaatu, the humanoid alien who arrives on earth with a message of peace, as well as a giant robot.

And Kathy Bates is reportedly in talks to join the cast, with the Oscar winner a perfect fit to play the owner of the guesthouse in which Klaatu hides.

Fox has set a December start date for the Vancouver-based production, with The Exorcism of Emily Rose helmer Scott Derrickson in the director's chair.

Mercury Rising scribe Ryne Douglas Pearson has penned the screenplay for the reimagining of Robert Wise's sci-fi classic, after David Scarpa, screenwriter of The Last Castle, produced a recent draft.

Connelly, the wife of British actor Paul Bettany, is currently shooting ensemble comedy He's Not That Into You alongside Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Connolly and Ginnifer Goodwin.

Reeves has just wrapped crime drama The Night Watchman opposite Forest Whitaker, Chris Evans and House star Hugh Laurie.