Rhys Meyers to star in 'Mandrake' movie

Jonathan Rhys Meyers has signed up to star as Mandrake in a movie outing for the classic comic book character.

Mandrake will be an updated version of the Hearst comic book and will be the first joint production by Omega Entertainment and Baldwin Entertainment Group.

The Scorpion King director Chuck Russell will helm the movie about the eponymous hero, with Rhys Meyers in the title role.

Russell said of the picture: "This is a rare opportunity to reinvent one of the all-time classic comic book characters and create a new kind of hero for international audiences."

Filming is due to start early next year in China and America.