9 June 2010 Last updated at 04:31 ET

David Tennant to star in Fright Night remake

Tennant's character claims to be a vampire expert

Former Doctor Who actor David Tennant is to star in Hollywood remake Fright Night, according to a US report.

The Scotsman will play a character originally portrayed by Roddy McDowall in the 1985 movie, says industry publication The Hollywood Reporter.

The actor, who was replaced by Matt Smith as the Time Lord, will be making his first major foray into US film.

He previously appeared in the pilot of TV show Rex Is Not Your Lawyer, which was not made into a full series.

Fright Night, which is being made by Dreamworks, will also star Toni Collette as the mother of a teenager who harbours suspicions that his new neighbour - played by Colin Farrell - is a vampire.

Russian-born actor Anton Yelchin, who appeared in Star Trek and Terminator Salvation, has been cast as the boy Charley Brewster.

Tennant will play Peter Vincent, a Las Vegas magician who claims to possess expert knowledge of vampires.

The film will be directed by Craig Gillespie, whose other credits include cult hit Lars and The Real Girl.

Work on the movie is due to start next month.