Glenn Close to make Sunset movie

Close will play Norma Desmond, a former queen of the silent screen

Actress Glenn Close is to reprise her role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage musical Sunset Boulevard on film, his production company has confirmed.

The 58-year-old, who won a Tony award for playing silent movie star Norma Desmond on Broadway, is said to have beaten Barbra Streisand to the role.

According to Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group, Ewan McGregor and Hugh Jackman are potential co-stars.

The movie will cost a reported £33m and be released in time for Christmas 2006.

Based on the 1950 film starring Gloria Swanson and William Holden, Sunset Boulevard had its world premiere in London in July 1993 with Patti LuPone in the Norma Desmond role.

Reluctant

Close took on the part when the show opened in Los Angeles in December 1993.

According to the film's co-producer Austin Shaw, Close was initially reluctant to reprise her performance.

However, he said she changed her mind after meeting Lord Lloyd-Webber at the Golden Globes in January.

Sunset Boulevard will be the fourth big-screen version of a Lloyd Webber musical after Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and The Phantom of the Opera.

His most recent musical, The Woman in White, is currently running at London's Palace Theatre.

Close last appeared in 2004's remake of The Stepford Wives and has a recurring role in the next series of TV cop drama The Shield.