First she starred in Atonement, directed by Joe Wright from Ian McEwan's novel of the same name. Later this year she'll be seen in Never Let Me Go, a film version of Kazuo Ishiguro's moving novel. Now Keira Knightley looks set to complete a hat-trick of big screen adaptations of Booker-nominated novels.

The Wrap reports that Knightley is attached to the project, as is Gere and Eric Bana. Noah Baumbach has already signed on to direct, following the critical success of his latest film Greenberg. Baumbach has a background in the familial dramas of middle-class New Yorkers, having written and directed The Squid and the Whale, and Margot at the Wedding. He was reported to be simply scripting The Emperor's Children, with Ron Howard directing, but Howard has now handed over the reins to instead direct an infidelity comedy starring Vince Vaughn. He will remain onboard as a producer.

The Emperor's Children focuses on a trio of Brown University graduates cautiously approaching their 30s, whose moneyed existence is upset when an ambitious Australian enters their circle.

Filming is due to start this summer.