Director wanted Brittany Murphy for Sin City 2

Brittany Murphy as Shellie in a scene from Sin City. Photo / Supplied

Robert Rodriguez would have cast Brittany Murphy in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For if she were still alive.

The actress played Shellie in the first film based on Frank Miller's graphic novels, released in 2005, but tragically died in 2009 from pneumonia, anaemia and excessive use of prescription medications at the age of just 32.

Robert was very fond of the actress and he is very sad she won't be part of the second film.

Exclusively speaking to BANG! Showbiz at the Cannes Film Festival in the South of France, he said: "If she was still here we would probably figure out a way to get her back into it.

"The returning cast is still the same. The new ones I'm still waiting for, and will go to casting."

On Monday, it was confirmed Mickey Rourke and Jessica Alba will return for the sequel, which will again by directed by Robert with Frank.

Robert added he has a busy summer, as he will shoot the film back-to-back with the second instalment of his Machete series.

He added: "It's great - so far we're going to shoot right after Machete, we're going to shoot Machete for 30 days then go straight into that, back-to-back. Frank is super-excited. He can't believe it when we shoot and he sees his book come to life in such an amazing way."

At the weekend Robert launched a new VISIONary Young Directors Contest to find a new director with technology partner AMD.

Aspiring film makers can submit a short film, and a panel of judges including representatives from AMD and the filmmaking industry will choose one winner based on originality, creativity and the ability to quickly capture attention.

The winner will have the chance to win a trip to Austin City Limits October 12-14, 2012 to meet Robert in person, as well as cutting-edge film editing technology to jump start their movie making careers.

- BANG! Showbiz