French-Algerian actress Sofia Boutella has signed on to play the lead female villain in The Secret Service for director Matthew Vaughn. This will be her first role in a major Hollywood production.

The story centers on a Secret Service agent (Colin Firth) who decides to mentor his young nephew (Taron Egerton) in this secretive trade. No details were given for Sofia Boutella's character, except that she will work alongside Samuel L. Jackson's primary villain. Michael Caine and Sophie Cookson are also attached to star.

Matthew Vaughn is directing from a screenplay adaptation he co-wrote with Jane Goldman, based on the comic book created by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons. Production is currently under way in London. Sofia Boutella is expected to be on set until late January.

Sofia Boutella is best known as a model, who also danced on Madonna's world tour. Her acting credits include StreetDance 2 and Monsters: Dark Continent.