As if one first were not enough, Renée Zellweger will follow her forthcoming film directorial debut with a stage debut on Broadway, according to Deadline.

The entertainment industry website has reported that Zellweger is set to star in a stage adaptation of the 1961 film The Hustler, which starred Paul Newman and Piper Laurie, itself based on a novel written by Walter Tevis two years earlier. The plot centres on a young pool shark, Edward "Fast Eddie" Felson, and the doomed young woman who loves him.

Dates for the project have no yet been announced, though Zellweger is due to direct and star in a feature film, 4½ Minutes, in February.

Warrior writer Anthony Tambakis is reportedly working on scripts for both projects, in addition to collaborating with Zellweger on a TV drama called Cinammon Girl, while Warrior's director Gavin O'Connor is set to direct.

Zellweger is best known for playing Bridget Jones, a role that saw her nominated for her best actress at the Academy Awards in 2001. Two years later, she won the best supporting actress Oscar for her performance in Cold Mountain.