Dominic Cooper joins Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Dominic Cooper is in final negotiations for a leading role in 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'.

The British actor has replaced Joaquin Phoenix in the role of Henry Sturgess - a friendly vampire who helps a young Abraham in a fight, leading to a life-long bond between the pair.

Later he mentors an older Abraham in the techniques of fighting vampirism.

Benjamin Walker is confirmed as playing Lincoln in the Timur Bekmambetov-directed project, while 'The Hurt Locker' star Anthony Mackie is close to completing discussions to play Abraham's best friend Will.

Pre-production has already begun on the movie, which is based on the book of the same name by Seth Graham-Smith.

It is not the only one of his projects to be made into a movie - 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies' is also in the works.

Dominic, 32, has a number of movies coming up including the role of Howard Stark in 'Captain America: The First Avenger', due for release later this year, and a part in 'My Week with Marilyn' about blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe.