Tilda Swinton - Tilda Swinton and David Thewlis joining The Zero Theorem

Tilda Swinton and David Thewlis joining The Zero Theorem

Tilda Swinton and David Thewlis have joined the cast of 'The Zero Theorem'.

The actors are set to star in the upcoming sci-fi film, which will be 71-year-old director Terry Gilliam's first feature since 2009's 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus', Indiewire reports.

Although little information has been released, a brief synopsis of the film has been revealed, which states: ''An eccentric and reclusive computer genius plagued with existential angst works on a mysterious project aimed at discovering the purpose of existence - or the lack thereof - once and for all.''

Christoph Waltz is to play the computer genius and director Terry has revealed that unlike many of his other hits this film will be set largely in just one location.

He explained: ''The main character is literally living in this burnt-out chapel which one could take as a metaphor for old beliefs and old systems.

''He's a computer genius but he's just sitting there waiting for a phone call, which he's hoping will give meaning to his life.

''It really is about relationships, and discovering what's really important in life ... two-thirds of it - if not more - take place in a ruined chapel.''

Terry gave fans a sneak preview of the ruined chapel set on his Facebook page.

The 36-day shoot kicks off on October 22.