The Crown's Olivia Colman joins Sam Mendes movie Empire of Light

© Steve Granitz - Getty ImagesThe Crown star Olivia Colman has landed the lead role in Empire of Light, director Sam Mendes's next project.

The Crown actress Olivia Colman will play the lead part in Sam Mendes movie Empire of Light.

Both being Oscar darlings - Colman won her statue in 2019 while Mendes took home Best Director in 2000 - this is definitely a collaboration to keep an eye on.

According to Variety, the project is a 1980s love story situated in and around an old cinema on the South Coast of England, which will be lensed by the legendary director of photography Roger Deakins.

© Steve Granitz - Getty ImagesOlivia Colman debuts new hair colour at the Oscars

Related: 1917's Sam Mendes opens up about that shocking moment

Thrilled to be partnering with Searchlight Pictures on his next release, Mendes commented: "I have long been an admirer of Searchlight and the dynamic way they have produced and released some of my favourite theatrical releases of recent years.

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"This project is very close to my heart, and I couldn't be more delighted that it has found its ideal home."

Recent titles the studio produced include Birdman, The Favourite (also starring Colman), Jojo Rabbit and Wes Anderson's animated flick Isle of Dogs.

© Ian Gavan - Getty ImagesSkyfall director Sam Mendes

Related: The Crown star Olivia Colman lands next lead movie role

Before these two get together though, Colman will shoot HBO/Sky miniseries Landscapers opposite Harry Potter actor David Thewlis.

Inspired by real events, this four-episode crime drama follows wife Susan Edwards and her husband Christopher, who murdered the former's parents before burying them in the back garden.

Empire of Light is expected to arrive in cinemas sometime next year.

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