Colin Firth 'signs up to play vampire'

Colin Firth has reportedly signed up to play a vampire in a new film.

The Academy Award-winning actor will star in horror film Stoker, inspired by Bram Stoker's Dracula, the News of the World reports.

The movie, based on an original script by Prison Break actor Wentworth Miller, will also feature Alice In Wonderland star Mia Wasikowska as India Stoker.

Firth will apparently play India's vampire uncle and feature in gruesome scenes such as 'biting' a victim by stabbing a pair of scissors into his neck and beating a bully to death with a tree branch.

A source said: "It's a surprise to see Colin take the role - it's miles away from the comedies he's famous for. It's dark, modern and creepy. He's going out on a limb with this part."

Nicole Kidman is said to be in talks to play India's mum in the film, which releases next year.