Stowe Captivates Jackman, Weisz And Pattinson

The Last of the Mohicans star wrote a script for the film in the 1990s but turned down a string of big money offers for the rights, because she was determined to play the lead female role.

But now she has relented and sold the script to bosses of another movie production company, who have agreed to let her helm the project.

And Stowe is delighted she waited for the right opportunity - as she has already signed up some high profile stars.

She tells Variety, "There are moments in life where you need to follow your heart. The script remained my singular focus, but directing it myself wasn't something I ever dreamed of.

"I saw three actresses, and knew after meeting with Rachel that she was the person I wanted to hand this role to. Robert said yes last fall, before everything broke with Twilight. Hugh said yes a couple of weeks ago."