Rooney Mara to play Mary Magdalene

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo star Rooney Mara is in talks to play Mary Magdalene in a new film.

The untitled project is slated to begin shooting this summer and is described as an “authentic and humanistic portrait” of the controversial figure who was saved by Jesus Christ, reported Deadline.

If Mara signs on to the film, she will reunite with Garth Davis - the director of her latest film, Lion.

“Rooney’s raw, brave approach to performances, coupled with her deeply magnetic inner life, holds all the dimensions needed to bring to life one of history’s most misunderstood woman - Mary Magdalene,” Davis said.

“Having worked with Rooney on Lion, I know she is a once-in-a-lifetime talent.”  The movie is scheduled to hit theatres next year.

Barbara Hershey and Monica Bellucci have previously portrayed Mary Magdalene in films. 

Mara is now thrown into the Oscar race for her supporting role in period drama Carol. 

She recently wrapped the filming of Una, an adaptation of David Harrower’s play Blackbird, as well as Jim Sherridan’s drama The Secret Scripture.