Gong Li cast as The Last Empress

Gong Li has signed up to star in The Last Empress, according to reports.

The Memoirs Of A Geisha and Raise The Red Lantern actress will take the lead role in the film about the life of Empress Cixi, the Hollywood Reporter said, one of the most powerful women in China's history.

The China-US co-production tells the story of the 19th Century empress' relationships with Emperor Guang Xu and her Imperial Advisor, who both wanted to modernise China.

Bruno Wu, chairman of production company Seven Stars, said: "Gong Li was our first choice to play the complex empress... With Gong Li's international appeal, we are confident the movie will excite and resonate with audiences across the world."

The Last Empress is set to begin production next year.