Kristen Stewart, currently starring in the box-office hit “Twilight,” will play Joan Jett in an upcoming rock ‘n’ roll biopic.

“The Runaways” will centre on the titular ’70s band, which was co-founded by Jett in 1975 and went on to become the first successful all-female hard rock group.

The movie is expected to follow the members from their sudden rise to fame as teenagers to their disillusionment and breakup in 1979.

Jett eventually formed the Blackhearts, coming out with such hits as “I Love Rock N’ Roll” and “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” and is still recording and touring.

Floria Sigismondi, known for her music videos, will direct from her own screenplay, while Jett will act as an executive producer.

The movie is expected to begin production in 2009 and will need to work around Stewart’s “Twilight” commitments. The 18-year-old has already signed on to reprise her role as Bella in the sequel “New Moon,” scheduled to shoot in early 2009.

“Twilight, which sold a record number of advance tickets in Canada ahead of its Nov. 21 opening, has since taken in more than $120 million at the domestic box office.






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