New film role for Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart has apparently landed a coveted role in a new indie film.

The Twilight star - who has been in the headlines in recent days after admitting that she cheated on boyfriend Robert Pattinson with director Rupert Sanders - has landed the lead in an adaptation of William Styron's book Lie Down In Darkness, reports Vulture.

Kristen, 22, will play a member of a dysfunctional family in 50s America in the movie, which will be directed by Scott Cooper.

Jennifer Lawrence had apparently been eyeing the part but has plenty of work lined up with the Hunger Games sequels.

It's the first casting news for Kristen since it emerged she had a fling with her married Snow White And The Huntsman director.

The star released a statement shortly after the scandal erupted, apologising for what she called a "momentary indiscretion", but her relationship with R-Patz is thought to be on the rocks as he has apparently moved out of their LA home.

Rupert, 41, who has two children with his wife Liberty Ross, also released a statement saying he was "utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family" but his wife has not commented. Earlier this week the filmmaker was spotted out in public for the first time since pictures of him with Kristen emerged, with his wedding ring firmly in place.

Meanwhile, Twilight bosses have confirmed Kristen and Robert will both join the rest of the cast to promote the final movie, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2.

Nancy Kirkpatrick, president of the studio's marketing, told Entertainment Weekly: "While it is studio policy not to comment on the personal lives of actors, Summit is moving full steam ahead and looking forward to this November's opening of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 2."