Game of Thrones stars Lena Headey and Charles Dance join Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Matt Smith and Lily James are among the cast of Burr Steers' zombie adaptation

Charles Dance has signed up for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and all it threatens to involve (Getty)

Charles Dance and Lena Headey have joined the cast of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, it has been confirmed.

The Game of Thrones actors will star in the forthcoming movie adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith's bizarre modern take on Jane Austen's classic 19th century novel, which sees an outbreak of zombies known as the “sorry stricken” disrupt the much-loved storyline.

Sam Riley, Douglas Booth, Lily James, Matt Smith, Bella Heathcote, Jack Huston and Suki Waterhouse have signed up for Burr Steers' film, but most individual roles remain unknown.

Smith, best known for Doctor Who, will play unbearable vicar Mr Collins, while Downton Abbey's James will star in the lead as the headstrong (and in this case martial arts-trained) Elizabeth Bennett.

Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones (Rex)

Oscar nominee David O Russell has co-written the script, with shooting scheduled to begin today. The film has suffered a plague of creative problems since 2009 but is finally going ahead, much to the delight, and dismay, of literature lovers.

To give those yet to read Grahame-Smith's spoof a taste of the 'changes', it opens with the following twist on Austen's famed introduction:

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.”

Safe to say, it is probably best to abandon all hope of Austen's ironic wit being left it tact.

No release date has been announced as yet, but Pride and Prejudice and Zombies looks set to reach big screens in 2015.

Best lines from Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

"Elizabeth lifted her skirt, disregarded modesty, and delivered a swift kick to the creature's head."

"Thank you, sir, but I am perfectly content being the bride of death."

"Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr Collins and I will never see you again if you do; for I shall not have my best warrior resigned to the service of a man who is fatter than Buddha and duller than the edge of a learning sword."

"I dare say she means to keep you from his attentions. Your honour demands she be slain."

"She remembered the lead ammunition in her pocket and offered it to him. 'Your balls, Mr Darcy?' He reached out and closed her hand around them. 'They belong to you, Miss Bennet'."