According to Variety, Guy Pearce has signed to star in the Houdini drama Death Defying Acts, with Rachel Weisz in negotiations to co-star as the magician's mistress.

Based on true events during the escape artist Harry Houdini's 1926 tour of Britain, pic follows Houdini's passionate relationship with a woman he encounters in Scotland.

The pic will be directed by Gillian Armstrong and was written by Tony Grisoni (Tideland) and Brian Ward (The Interpreter).

Pearce's credits include "Memento" and L.A. Confidential. Weisz recently starred in Constantine and will appear next in The Fountain.