Geoffrey Rush plays comic genius Peter Sellers

Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush is to play the title role in The Life And Death Of Peter Sellers.

The cast of the new film about comic genius Sellers was unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival.

Stephen Fry plays Maurice Woodruff, the "psychic" adviser on whom Sellers relied. Emily Watson is his first wife, Anne Howe, and Emilia Fox his fourth, Lynne Frederick, while Britt Ekland is played by Charlize Theron.

Stunning Italian newcomer Sonia Aquino will make her English-speaking debut as screen siren Sophia Loren.

The film will portray Sellers - the former Goon who went on to become an international star in the likes of Dr Strangelove and the Pink Panther movies - as a troubled genius unable to cope with the pressures of fame.

Australian star Rush said he was a huge fan of Sellers' work and wanted to do him justice in the film.

"I think he became the first really hip British actor from the most unlikely background," he said.

"There were great British actors around like David Niven and Alec Guinness but there was something cool and chic and original about Sellers."