The 41-year-old actress - who recently picked up a Golden Globe for her performance in The Help - joins John Hurt, Tilda Swinton and Chris Evans in the sci-fi thriller, according to the Hollywood Reporter's Heat Vision blog.

The movie, which marks Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-Ho's English language debut, is set in a post-apocalyptic winter world and follows a trainful of survivors who are battling to stay alive.

Octavia will play one of the train's passengers.

The US actress's star is on the rise following her dazzling portrayal of outspoken maid Minny in The Help. As well As the Globe, Octavia picked up a SAG Award and a Broadcast Film Critics gong and she is considered to be a frontrunner at the Oscars later this month.

She will be battling it out with Jessica Chastain, Melissa McCarthy, Berenice Bejo and Janet McTeer for the Best Supporting Actress award.