Australian author Hannah Kent says she is thrilled Jennifer Lawrence will be starring in the film adaption of her bestselling novel Burial Rites.
The Oscar-winning actress is set to play lead character Agnes Magn??sd??ttir??? - the last woman to be publicly executed in Iceland.
The film, as with the book, will explore the events leading up to Magn??sd??ttir's death. The character is based on a real woman of the same name, who was beheaded in 1830 after being convicted of killing two men and setting fire to their home.
Lawrence is among the most highly-paid women in Hollywood and has most recently starred in Mother! and Passengers. Call Be By Your Name's Luca Guadagnino is on board to direct the film, according to Variety.
Speaking to Fairfax Media, Kent, who was born in Adelaide, said she is excited to see how Lawrence will bring her protagonist to life.
"She's a tremendous actress and I've enjoyed following her from Winter's Bone right through [her career]," she said. "She'll bring an incredible humanity to the role.
"I'm also incredibly thrilled that Luca Guadagnino is on board to direct. He conveys a wonderful sense of place. I think their partnership will produce something really beautiful."
Burial Rites was first published in 2013 and was subsequently translated into more than 20 languages. At the time, Kent made headlines for securing a two-book deal worth more than $1 million - an achievement almost unheard of for a debut novelist.
Her highly-anticipated second novel, The Good People, came out last year.
