Famke Janssen to play head witch in Hansel and Gretel movie

Famke Janssen has joined the cast of 'Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters'.

The actress it the latest casting confirmation for the movie, which sees Gemma Arterton play Gretel opposite Jeremy Renner's Hansel, and Famke will star as the head of a group of witches in the Paramount Pictures project.

The movie takes place 15 years after the classic fairytale, and sees Hansel and Gretel become bounty hunters charged with searching for the witches who tried to kill them.

Norwegian-born director Tommy Wirkola has written the movie and will direct it.

'Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters' is expected for release in late 2011.

Dutch-born Famke - best known for the recurring role of Jean Grey in the 'X-Men' movies - appeared as Ava Moore in TV series 'Nip/Tuck' from 2004 to 2010, and most recently completed work on crime drama 'The Chameleon' and drama thriller 'Down The Shore' with James Gandolfini and John Magaro.