Butler cast in kids' movie

HOLLYWOOD, May 18 (UPI) -- Actor Gerard Butler has been signed to a starring role in the Hollywood children's adventure flick "Nim's Island."

Butler, coming off the successful "300," will co-star with Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin in the Fox Walden production based on the Wendy Orr book, Variety reported Friday

Filming is expected to start in Australia in July. Jennifer Flackett and her husband Mark Levin wrote the screenplay and will direct.

"Nim's Island" is the story of a girl left alone on an island after her scientist father experiences problems with his boat. She begins sending e-mail to the author of a book she is reading and winds up saving the island from uncaring tour operators.