Robert of Arabia... Pattinson to star in Queen Of The Desert with Naomi Watts
Robert Pattinson will play Lawrence of Arabia opposite Naomi Watts in Queen Of The Desert, Werner Herzog's historical drama about revolutionary writer Gertrude Bell.
The 26-year-old star will play the British Army officer whose writing earned him international recognition.
Miss Watts is already on board as pioneering figure Gertrude, who was an author, archaeologist, explorer and political attaché for the British Empire and defined the borders of the Middle East. She was also one of the first women to graduate from Oxford University.
T.E. Lawrence and Gertrude were close friends and worked together to establish the Hashemite dynasties in what became Jordan and Iraq. Robert follows in the footsteps of Peter O'Toole, who played the writer in David Lean's classic 1962 movie.
Cassian Elwes and Nick Raslan will produce the film, according to Empire, and shooting will begin this autumn.
In another development Pattinson is flying to the Australian outback to shoot new movie 'The Rover' and sources say he can't wait to get away from his regular life.
He was left devastated after his girlfriend of four years Kristen Stewart cheated on him with married director Rupert Sanders.
One said: "Rob wants to get away for a while, and is looking forward to filming in the desert in Australia. He needs some space."
While he is looking forward to getting away from Hollywood, Robert has been putting on a brave face as he promotes new movie 'Cosmopolis' in New York City and enjoyed a night out with his guy friends last night.
The source added to the New York Post: "He was drinking beers, dancing and having a good time. He was bro'-hugging everyone. There were some girls dancing [near Rob], but he didn't seem to take any special interest in [any of them]."
But before he goes, Robert is due to meet Kristen at the MTV Video Music Awards next month.
Despite breaking up, the 'Twilight' stars are scheduled to present prizes at the annual event and it would be the first time they are seen together in public since Kristen admitted cheating on him.
