'Nine' production counting on Loren

ROME, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Italian screen siren Sophia Loren has signed on to star in Rob Marshall's musical movie "Nine," ANSA reported.

The movie is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which was inspired by the 1963 Federico Fellini film, "8 1/2."

The 73-year-old Loren told Italian daily Il Messaggero that Marshall's "Nine" would begin shooting in New York in the spring.

"It's the sort of challenge that makes my knees tremble," she said.

Loren didn't say what her role would be or whether she would sing, ANSA said.

Marshall previously directed the award-winning screen version of the musical "Chicago."