Salma Hayek to play German spy Mata Hari

Salma Hayek is set to play 1900s exotic dancer, Mata Hari.

The Mexican actress is in discussions about taking on the role of the controversial woman, who was executed by firing squad in 1917 after being accused of spying for Germany.

Director Sophie Fiennes - who is responsible for 'Hoover Street Revival' - has reportedly been working on a film about the woman, born Margarethe Zelle, for years.

The brunette beauty and Sophie are said to have been in deep conversation about the script at Charles Finch's filmmakers' dinner at the Hotel du Cap.

The Hollywood star told the Daily Mail: "Sophie told me that there are a lot of misconceptions about Hari, a polyglot who used her skill to seduce soldiers and diplomats.

"Many of the men who enjoyed her turned against her, but there's evidence now that she was unfairly labelled a traitor."

Salma was in Cannes for 'Matteo Garrone's Tale Of Tales', a picture about grotesque goings-on in a horror fantasy world.

In one disturbing scene, the actress eats a giant sea monster's heart.

The 48-year-old star said: "It was disgusting - however, producer Jeremy Thomas reassured me that the heart was made of confectionery and it looked worse than it tasted."