Elizabeth Banks for Man on a Ledge

Elizabeth Banks has signed up to star alongside Sam Worthington in 'Man on a Ledge'.

The 36-year-old actress – who is best known for her work on the 'Spider-Man' film franchise – is reportedly set to play a New York Police Department negotiator in the 2012 crime drama movie, Deadline.com reports.

In the movie, her character will try to persuade her suicidal ex-boyfriend, played by Sam Worthington, to come down from the ledge he threatens to throw himself off after escaping from prison.

But his character – a former policeman – is only in jail after being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, and after being granted day release to attend his father's funeral, makes his escape.

The storyline will follow him threatening to jump, whilst also trying to stop his younger brother – to be played by 'Billy Elliot' star Jamie Bell – from using the incident to commit a huge heist nearby.

'Man on a Ledge' will be directed by Asger Leth, and the script has been written by Pablo Fenjves, with Chris Gorak, Erich and Jon Hoeber also contributing.