Ellen Page is set to bring one of the most iconic characters in 19th century literature to life on the big screen.

BBC Films has signed the Halifax native, who nabbed an Oscar nomination this year for her starring role in “Juno,” to play the lead in a movie adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre.”

The 1847 novel tells the story of the romance between the titular orphan-turned-governess and her master, Edward Rochester.

A lead actor and a director have yet to be chosen.

Bronte’s novel has been the subject of many adaptations over the years, including BBC-produced miniseries in 1973 and 2006, as well as a 1996 Hollywood version starring Anna Paquin as young Jane and Charlotte Gainsbourg as adult Jane.

Page, 20, has been keeping busy since “Juno” – this latest project aside, she has also signed onto the Drew Barrymore-directed comedy “Whip It!” and the dramatic thriller “Peacock.”

She can currently be seen in theatres in the dramedy “Smart People,” which also stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Dennis Quaid.






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