Keira Knightley has been attached to a remake of My Fair Lady for some time now, but it looks like the wheels are finally in motion for the redo of the Audrey Hepburn classic. After Knightley auditioned for the part some three years ago, the Telegraph is now reporting that she has won the role after Scarlett Johansson also became a strong contender to play Eliza Doolittle.

And not only has the lead finally been locked down, but the project has a director now as well — Joe Wright. Knightley’s director in Pride & Prejudice and Atonement, Wright looks to bounce back from his last outing, the somewhat forgettable The Soloist. If you’ll recall, Wright was most recently attached to direct Cate Blanchett in Indian Summer, about the last days of British colonial rule in India centered around the romantic relationship that developed between Lady Edwina Mountbatten and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Financing problems and creative issues have shelved the project indefinitely, though Wright and Blanchett will remain attached.

The original 1964 My Fair Lady was, of course, about Professor Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle. The misogynistic linguist takes a bet that he can turn the Cockney-accented flower girl into a refined lady presentable in high society, and only realizes after he’s lost her that he can’t live without her. It went on to win 8 Oscars and if you’re wondering why anyone would want to remake a classic film that still holds up, you’re probably not alone.

There is a bit of a silver lining, though, in that the very talented Emma Thompson will be writing the script. Wright and Knightley have also been a successful pairing in the past, and whether or not you’re a fan of Wright’s very-present style of directing, the man is nonetheless very competent. Knightley, at least in my opinion, is also a very engaging actress. Let’s see if the three of them can put together a film that will do the original justice.

Tags: Cate Blanchett, Emma Thompson, Indian Summer, Joe Wright, Keira Knightley, My Fair Lady, Scarlett Johansson