Andrea Riseborough to star in Greene adaptation

By Steven Zeitchik

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Andrea Riseborough is heading to "Brighton Rock."

The British actress will play the female lead opposite Sam Riley in the movie based on the Graham Greene novel. She replaces Carey Mulligan, who had been attached to the role.

"Rock," which marks the directorial debut of "28 Weeks Later" screenwriter Rowan Joffe, originally came to the screen via Richard Attenborough in 1947. It centers on a small-time gangster who kills a rival and finds his life in turmoil as he faces blackmail threats from a waitress (Riseborough) who knows about the murder.

BBC Films and Optimum Releasing are behind the feature.

Riseborough had a role in last year's Mike Leigh comedy-drama "Happy-Go-Lucky." She also appears in "Never Let Me Go," a dark drama based on the Kazuo Ishiguro best-seller, in which she will play opposite Mulligan.

(Editing by SheriLinden at Reuters)