Clooney signs up Craig for war film

George Clooney has signed up a host of Hollywood A-listers to star in his new World War II film, including James Bond himself, Daniel Craig.

George will will direct and co-produce The Monuments Men, as well as star in it alongside Daniel, The Artist's Jean Dujardin, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, Bob Balaban and Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville, Deadline has revealed.

The period drama, which George has co-written with partner Grant Heslov, charts the final chapter of Germany's rule in Europe, and the destruction of the country's culture as Hitler and the Nazis tried to cover up the truth about their murderous regime.

The plot will follow a crew of art historians and museum curators who unite to recover renowned works of art stolen by Nazis before Hitler destroys them.

The film is due to do into production on March 1, the website said.