Kate Hudson is heading in a new direction after signing up to star in new action thriller Everly.

The 32-year-old actress - known for her roles in rom coms How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days and Bride Wars - is swapping chick flicks for punches and kicks in the exciting new movie, which will be set in just one room.

Kate will play a down-on-her luck woman who is forced to fend off assassins hired by her ex, a dangerous mob boss, The Hollywood Reporter reveals.

Crime Scene partners Adam Ripp and Rob Paris said: "When we heard that Kate wanted to make the transition into an action star, we knew we had found our Everly. The physicality and intensity of this role will be transformative for her."

Horror director Joe Lynch will helm the project for Crime Scene Pictures which is due to begin shooting in May.

Kate, who is engaged to Muse frontman Matt Bellamy, is returning to work after giving birth to her second son Bingham last July.