JOSH HARTNETT - JOSH HARTNETT TO STAR IN WEST END VERSION OF RAIN MAN

Josh Hartnett has signed to star in a stage version of Rain Man, it has been confirmed.

The Pearl Harbour actor is to play car dealer Charlie Babbitt, the role originated by Tom Cruise in the 1988 film, in a limited run of the play from August.

British actor Adam Godley, Olivier-nominated for Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick as well as Mouth to Mouth, is to follow in the Oscar-winning footsteps of Dustin Hoffman by playing Raymond Babbitt, Charlie's autistic brother.

In a statement, Harnett, 29, said it always been his "intent to work on the London stage".

"While I've had many opportunities, it was only when I read the complex and charismatic character of Charlie Babbitt that I knew the time was right," he added.

"I feel very fortunate to make my London bow with such an esteemed producer and director and I'm also looking forward to working with Adam Godley, who is an extraordinary talent. Can't wait to live and work in London, a city I adore!"

Nica Burns, the show's producer, told industry trade newspaper the Stage he and the team behind the show were "very excited".

He continued: "Josh was our first choice for the role from day one. He hasn't done stage work for a while, because he has been so popular on film."

Burns also revealed Hartnett had rejected film roles to take the West End part and said he predicted the Black Dahlia star would complement Godley wonderfully.

"This is not the film on stage, it's a theatrical adaptation of what is a really great story," he added.

The play, written by Dan Gordon, is to have a limited run at the Apollo Theatre from August 28th.