AceShowbiz -

After ending her involvement in "Spider-Man" film franchise, Kirsten Dunst has snatched another coveted role. She has just been tapped to play the major female character in "Melancholia" which is directed and written by Lars von Trier, so Deadline Hollywood mentioned.

Penelope Cruz was initially negotiating for the part, but she eventually dropped it allegedly to star opposite Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". There has been no further description on the character that now belongs to Dunst.

"Melancholia" is a sci-fi disaster film and is planned to shoot July through September in Southern Sweden. Those who will be sharing screen with Dunst include Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexander Skarsgard, Kiefer Sutherland and many others.

Kirsten Dunst is best known for her role as Mary Jane Watson in three "Spider-Man" movies. Previously, she has appeared as Betty Warren in 2003 "Mona Lisa Smile" which also features Julia Roberts. She is currently filming "Upside Down" with co-star Jim Sturgess.