The Oscar-winning star will don special foot make-up for the fantasy film The Passion -
in which she will play an 18th century Venetian.

Based on a novel by Jeannette Winterson, the tale knits together the lives of a boatman's daughter and Napoleon Bonaparte's chef.

Co-producer English actress Tara Fitzgerald says Paltrow is close to signing up for the project.

She added: "Hopefully Gwyneth will be in the film. It's a wonderful book."