French-Canadian Actress Sophie Nélisse Lands Role In "The Book Thief"

French-Canadian child Actress Sophie Nélisse landed the lead role in the adaptation of Markus Zusak’s best-selling novel "The Book Thief". Sophie will be make her English-language debut playing the part of Liesel, a spirited young girl who witnesses the horrors of Nazi Germany while in the care of foster parents (Rush and Watson). The girl arrives with a stolen book and begins collecting other tomes, learning to read while her stepparents harbor a Jewish refugee (Schnetzer) under the stairs.

Rush’s character first takes on the young girl for money but soon comes to love her. Watson’s character is described as being very tough on Liesel, but her kindness occasionally shows through.

The film is looking at a production start this month in Berlin. Karen Rosenfelt and Ken Blancato are producing.

"The Book Thief" besides starring Sophie Nélisse, stars Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer and Nico Liersch. This film is directed by Brian Percival of "Downton Abbey".

Sophie has recently played the part of Alice in the movie "Monsieur Lahzar".

RCN America will keep a close eye on Sophie, French-Canadian child Actress career as it develops.