Peter Jackson casts newcomer Hera Hilmar in 'Mortal Engines'

Filmmaker Peter Jackson has roped in newcomer Hera Hilmar as the female lead in the adaptation of Philip Reeve's "Mortal Engines".
The movie will be written and produced by Jackson, reported Variety.
Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens will co-write the film with Christian Rivers attached to direct.
Zane Weiner Amanda Walker, and Deborah Forte are serving as producers, along with Walsh and Jackson.
The book is set thousands of years in the future. Earth's cities now roam the globe on huge wheels, devouring each other in a struggle over diminishing resources. On one of these massive Traction Cities, Tom Natsworthy has an unexpected encounter with a mysterious young woman from the Outlands, who will change the course of his life forever.

Production is slated to begin in New Zealand this spring.