Hartnett to star in Rain Man play

Josh Hartnett will make his professional stage debut in September

Hollywood actor Josh Hartnett has signed up to star in a West End version of the Oscar-winning film Rain Man.

The 29-year-old, whose screen credits include Pearl Harbor, has landed the role of car dealer Charlie Babbitt, played by Tom Cruise in the 1988 film.

Hartnett said: "It has always been my intent to work on the London stage."

The play, opening in September, also stars British actor Adam Godley as Hartnett's autistic brother Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman in the film.

His portrayal earned him the Academy Award for best actor.

Hartnett added he knew it was the right time to tread the boards when he read the "complex and charismatic character" of Charlie Babbitt.

The Apollo Theatre play is written by Dan Gordon and directed by David Grindley, whose stage credits include Abigail's Party and Journey's End.