Kate Bosworth has signed up to star in Veronika Decides to Die, where her character tries to take her own life.

The Superman actress will play the title role of Veronika, who becomes institutionalised after trying to commit suicide.

But once taken into the facility Veronika discovers that she has a weakened heart and she must get treatment otherwise she could die within days.

Emily Young is directing the movie, which is based on the novel by Paulo Coelho, while Larry Gross and Roberta Hanley are writing the script.

Filming is due to start at the end of the year in New York.