Malkovich in Disgrace

John Malkovich

John Malkovich is to take the lead role in a film of J.M. Coetzee's novel Disgrace.

The showbiz trade paper Variety reports that Malkovich, 52, will play a university professor who is forced to resign after seducing one of his students and then takes refuge with his daughter, where he is confronted with violence and more shame.

Variety said the producers' first choice for the role was Ralph Fiennes.