Ralph Fiennes 'could join Great Expectations'

Ralph Fiennes is in early talks to join the cast of Mike Newell's new adaptation of Great Expectations.

According to the Daily Mail, Fiennes is being lined up to take on the role of convict Abel Magwitch from the classic Charles Dickens novel.

If Fiennes joins the project, he could be reunited with his Harry Potter co-star Helena Bonham Carter, who is said to be interested in the role of Miss Havisham.

Fiennes is also in talks to join Sam Mendes's new James Bond film, opposite Daniel Craig.

Newell, best known for directing Four Weddings and a Funeral, has cast British stage actor Jeremy Irvine in the film's lead role of Pip.

Great Expectations is planned to be released next year to celebrate the bicentenary of Charles Dickens's birth.