Robert Pattinson, best known for his role as vampire heartthrob, Edward Cullen, in The Twilight Saga, is in talks to star alongside Reese Witherspoon in a new film.

The actor who has most recently been working with Kill Bill actress Uma Thurman in the drama, Bel Ami, is set to be in a film adaptation of the best-selling novel, Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen.

Pattinson will shed his fangs and pick up a scalpel in order to play Jacob Jankowski, a veterinary student who drops out of college to work as a vet for a travelling circus.

In the film he falls for a circus performer played by Reese Witherspoon, who is married to an abusive animal trainer (likely to be played by Sean Penn). The film is set during the Great Depression and will be directed by Francis Lawrence (I am Legend).

Production is expected to begin in June.

Source: Marie Claire.co.uk