According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hayden Christensen has signed on to play the male lead in The Decameron, Dino De Laurentiis' upcoming adaptation of the 14th century Italian classic by Giovanni Boccaccio.

Christensen will play the role of Lorenzo, starring opposite The O.C.'s Mischa Barton, who in December signed on as Pampinea, the project's leading lady.

Headed for an April shoot in Rome and Tuscany, The Decameron is being directed and adapted by Britain's David Leland, whose helming credits include Band of Brothers.