In the film, set in Latin-America, Salanda would star as a young woman working as a killer for her uncle, who is also carrying out a series of personal murders to avenge the death of her parents.

The drama has been written by Luc Besson - who will also produce the movie-and Robert Mark Kamen.

Filming is set to start in late summer with Olivier Megaton directing, according to The Hollywood Reporter`s Heat Vision Blog.

Saldana has had a hugely successful year after starring in J.J. Abrams` `Star Trek` revival with Simon Pegg and Chris Pine, and James Cameron`s epic `Avatar` - which went on to become the highest-grossing film of all time.

The 31-year-old actress next stars in Screen Gems` action thriller `Takers` with Idris Elba, Paul Walker and Hayden Christensen.

`Columbiana` is slated for a 2011 release.
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