CATE AND KATE TO PLAY HEPBURN AND GARDNER

June 3, 2003Jun 3, 2003, 11:00 PM GMT+1

Director Martin Scorsese has reportedly lined up an A-list cast to star as Hollywood legends in his latest film, the Howard Hughes biopic, Aviator.

Gangs Of New York actor Leonardo DiCaprio committed long ago to playing the infamously eccentric billionaire movie mogul in the flick.

And now it's been revealed that Australia's Cate Blanchett is set to take on the role of Katharine Hepburn, while British beauty Kate Beckinsale is close to finalising a deal to portray sultry brunette Ava Gardner.

Also expected to sign on to the project, which begins shooting in Montreal next month, is No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani, who would be making her film debut as a fellow platinum blonde, 1930s pin-up Jean Harlow.

Film fans have speculated for months as to who would be cast as the iconic silver screen stars who were part of Hughes' famed circle.

Nicole Kidman's name was once linked to the Katharine Hepburn role, and Jude Law is said to be considering a cameo as dashing hero Errol Flynn.

Cate is set to play screen icon Katharine Hepburn opposite Leonardo DiCaprio's Howard Hughesy

Hepburn was one of the many big name actresses who were romanced by the eccentric billionaire movie mogul

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