Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan is set to play the lead in forthcoming action-thriller, The Siege of Jadotville.
The film is based on the true story of the 150 Irish UN troops under the command of Commandant Pat Quinlan who were attacked by forces loyal to Katangese Prime Minister Moise Tshombe in the Congo in September 1961.
Dornan will play Commandant Quinlan and revealed that he is thrilled to be a part of the new film.
"I can't wait to get stuck into Jadotville. It's an unbelievable story and Commandant Pat Quinlan is going to be a treat of a character to tackle,” he said.
"I'm a big fan of both Richie Smyth and [Parallel Films producer] Alan Moloney and I'm very much looking forward to working with them both."
Director Richie Smyth added: "I'm really excited to be working with Jamie on The Siege of Jadotville. I thought his performance in The Fall was sublime.
“He is perfectly cast in the lead role as Commandant Quinlan and has been instrumental in bringing this epic story to life."
Written by Kevin Brodbin and directed by Dubliner Smyth, the film will be shot in Ireland and South Africa next year.
Dornan will begin filming the project in 2015 following his promotional tour with 50 Shades of Grey.
The movie has been developed in association with the Irish Film Board.
