Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson to star in 'The Book Thief'

French-Canadian newcomer Sophie Nelisse is making her English-language debut as the lead character in the World War II set drama. The film is being directed by Brian Percival of 'Downton Abbey' fame. Ben Schnetzer and Nico Liersch also are cast in the movie, the Hollywood Reporter said.

The story revolves around Liesel, a spirited young girl who witnesses the horrors of Nazi Germany while in the care of foster parents (Rush and Watson). The girl arrives with a stolen book and begins collecting other books, learning to read while her stepparents harbor a Jewish refugee (Schnetzer) under the stairs.

Rush's character first takes on the young girl for money but soon comes to love her. Watson's character is described as being very tough on Liesel, but her kindness occasionally shows through.

Rush received a 2011 Oscar nomination for his work in 'The King's Speech' while Watson most recently appeared in Joe Wright's 'Anna Karenina'.