Renee Zellweger, the Hollywood star famed for her role in the Bridget Jones series, has landed the leading role in a new HBO show. The upcoming series, titled Jane Smith, promises to be a stark contrast to the light-hearted world of Bridget Jones. The 55-year-old actress will portray the eponymous defence attorney residing in the Hamptons, characterised as "brilliant, tough and darkly funny".

The Max series is an adaptation of James Patterson and Mike Lupica's bestselling novel 12 Months to Live. Jane Smith revolves around a driven lawyer whose life takes a dramatic turn when she is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour on the eve of her career-defining case. READ MORE: Normal People star Daisy Edgar-Jones teases 'revisiting' BBC role READ MORE: Bridgerton star lifts lid on awkward blunder with Nicola Coughlan on set of Netflix show The official synopsis adds: "While the investigation becomes more dangerous and deeply personal, Jane refuses to let her death sentence stop her from solving this case.

" As per Deadline , the series is currently being developed by HBO, under the supervision of writer and showrunner Miki Johnson, known for her work on Ozark. Zellweger will also serve as an executive producer for the series, alongside Johnson and Carmela Casinelli from Big Picture Co. Author James Patterson will also act as an executive producer through his production company, James Patterson Entertainment.

Patterson's Alex Cross series is set for a screen revival later this year, .