Luc Besson and Pierre-Ange Le Pogam's EuropaCorp. will produce the next directorial project from Jodie Foster.

The film, Flora Plum, was originally set up 3 years ago and Foster had begun production only to abandon it quickly due to an accident suffered by then-star Russell Crowe.

Crowe will not be reprising the role he started, but will be replaced by Ewan McGregor who is joined by Claire Danes and Meryl Streep.

The story revolves around an hirsute circus freak and the penniless girl he falls for. Based during the 1920s, the film should start shooting in mid 2004.

Europa will handle local distribution and international sales. A deal with a US distributor is imminent.

Foster, a devout francophile, has been in Paris recently shooting the Jean-Pierre Jeunet directed A Very Long Engagement.