Director Tim Burton is lining up a few female cast members for his Dark Shadows adaptation, with Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter in the lead for this Warner Bros. vampire-based soap opera.

Michelle Pfeiffer is in negotiations to play Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, the owner of the Collinwood estate where the story takes place. Helena Bonham Carter is circling the role of Dr. Julia Hoffman, who specializes in rare blood disorders and moves into the estate. Hoffman is originally perceived as a threat to the vampire Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp), although she becomes his ally, as Barnabas believes she can cure his blood lust.

Helena Bonham Carter hasn't officially entered into talks for the role yet.

Both actresses have worked with Tim Burton before, although Michelle Pfeiffer hasn't done so since 1992's Batman Returns where she played the Catwoman. Helena Bonham Carter portrayed the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland for the director last year.

Tim Burton will direct from a script by Seth Grahame-Smith and John August. No production schedule was released for Dark Shadows.