James McAvoy's Wright Penn Movie

2 months ago 15th Sep 13:30

James McAvoy and Robin Wright Penn will pair up for 'The Conspirator'.

The British actor and the 'State of Play' actress have signed up to star in the Robert Redford period drama about the assassination of US President Abraham Lincoln.

Robin is due to play Mary Surratt, the only woman who was charged with conspiring to kill the president in April 1865 and James will take on the role of young way hero Frederick Aiken, who reluctantly defends the woman.

Stories from our history are often more compelling than fiction. Mary Surratt's trial is a powerful, relevant story.

The duo will start filming the James Solomon script in October.

Production has been financed by the American Film Company which is headed by entrepreneur Joe Ricketts.

He said: "Stories from our history are often more compelling than fiction. Mary Surratt's trial is a powerful, relevant story."

Joe launched the movie company with the plan to tell historically accurate US stories and a host of expert advisers have been drafted in to ensure this is maintained.

Robert will produce the blockbuster alongside Wildwood Enterprises' Greg Shapiro and Bill Holderman as well as American Film Company executives Webster Stone, Brian Falk and Robert Stone.