After trying his hand at the action game in this year's 'Hanna,' director Joe Wright is going back to period pieces with 'Anna Karenina,' and he's bringing a familiar face with him. (Hint: she's pictured.)

Adapted by screenwriter Tom Stoppard ('Shakespeare in Love') from Leo Tolstoy's landmark novel, Wright has pegged 'Atonement' star Keira Knightley for the titular role. Jude Law has signed on to play Knightley's husband Aleksei Karenin, while Aaron Johnson will play Count Vrosky.

According to Deadline, 'Anna Karenina' is set to hit theaters in the second half of 2012. That gives you more than enough time to finally dust off Tolstoy's 800-page behemoth in preparation.

[via Deadline]

Photo courtesy of Jon Furniss/WireImage.com.