Having spent a few years tackling pirates in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Keira Knightley is finally making a comeback to the action genre after she finally signed up to star as the female lead in a new Jack Ryan film.

The British beauty, who also starred in Love Actually, Pride and Prejudice and The Duchess was confirmed for the role via Deadline who reported that she will play the love interest of Jack Ryan in a prequel film to the thriller series which were originally written as books by Tom Clancy. It will reportedly follow the Ryan character as a young man before he joined the CIA.

The new actor who will take over the role of Jack Ryan is Chris Pine who appeared in Star Trek (2009) and This Means War (2012). The character was previously played by Alec Baldwin in The Hunt for Red October (1990), Harrison Ford in Patriot Games (1992) and Clear and Present Danger (1994) and Ben Affleck in The Sum of All Fears (2002).

Oscar-winner Kevin Costner (The Untouchables, Dances with Wolves) has also signed on for a role in the film, which will also be directed by and star Kenneth Branagh (Hamlet, My Week with Marilyn) as the main villain.

It is expected for release in late 2013.