Stuntwoman Bell recruited for first lead role

By Scott Roxborough

COLOGNE, Germany (Hollywood Reporter) - Stuntwoman-turned-actress Zoe Bell, who played herself in Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof," has signed on to star in an untitled action adventure.

The New Zealand native will play a U.S. soldier adrift after returning home from a tour of duty in Iraq who decides to help a young girl in trouble. The project is based on an original idea from Weber, who will also produce, and screenwriter Sarah Thorpe ("Twisted").

"This film is a big challenge for me, especially the American accent, which I have to work on," Bell said. "But one thing is certain: I will be doing all my own stunts on the film."

Bell rose to fame in the stunt world as the double for compatriot Lucy Lawless in the fantasy TV series "Xena: Warrior Princess." She also was Uma Thurman's stunt double in Tarantino's "Kill Bill" films.

The feature is being made by German production company Senator Entertainment.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter