First it was a haunted videotape and an evil little girl in serious need of a hairbrush. Then it was a giant gorilla with a penchant for scaling skyscrapers. Now – pigeons?

Naomi Watts is set to scream for her life in the remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1963 horror movie “The Birds.”

The actress, who has also starred in thrillers “The Ring” and “King Kong,” is the first castmember to be announced for the film, which has crazed birds terrorizing a Californian coastal town. She will be in the lead role of Melanie Daniels, a part originally played by Tippi Hedren.

Hitchcock’s film was based on a short story by the novelist Daphne du Maurier.

“Casino Royale” director Martin Campbell is reportedly in talks to direct the remake, which will be produced by Michael Bay.

The movie is scheduled for a 2009 theatrical release.

The Oscar-nominated Watts has received critical kudos for her performances in movies including “Mulholland Dr.,” “21 Grams” and, more recently, David Cronenberg’s “Eastern Promises.”

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3. Naomi Watts Joins UN’s Fight Against AIDS

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