Ifans lands Madame Bovary role

Rhys Ifans has joined the cast of the upcoming Madame Bovary adaptation.

The Welsh actor will play a manipulative merchant who leads the title character to financial ruin, Variety reported.

The Kids Are All Right actress Mia Wasikowska will play social climber Madame Bovary in the adaptation of Gustave Flaubert's tale, which is being directed by Cold Souls filmmaker Sophie Barthes.

Ezra Miller will play her young lover, while Paul Giamatti will play the man who threatens to reveal her indiscretions.

Production is expected to begin in Europe next spring.

Notting Hill star Rhys will next be see in 1930s drama Serena, which also stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.