Johnny Depp is looking for a new leading lady to star opposite him in the remake of The Thin Man, and a number of Hollywood stars are in the frame, UKPA reported citing Deadline.

Carey Mulligan, Emily Blunt and Rachel Weisz are among the British actresses in the running to portray screen wife Nora, but they face competition from U.S. stars Emma Stone, Kristen Wiig and Amy Adams.

Eva Green and Isla Fisher are also circling the coveted role in the forthcoming comedy.

Rob Marshall, who worked with Johnny on Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, is to direct the new big-screen adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's thriller, in which the Hollywood actor will play private detective-turned-socialite Nick Charles.

The dashing detective and his charming wife - who were previously portrayed by William Powell and Myrna Loy in the Oscar-nominated 1934 film - are known for their flirtatious banter as they solve a murder mystery together.