Variety reports that Bond girl Eva Green will star as the queen of witches in The Golden Compass, New Line's first installment of a potential trilogy based on Phillip Pullman's "His Dark Materials."

Green, who just wrapped "Casino Royale" with Daniel Craig, has signed a deal for one film, with an option for two more if the studio completes the trilogy.

Green will play Serafina Pekula, the witch who guides Lyra Belacqua (to be played by newcomer Dakota Blue Richards) on her journey to a parallel universe. Nicole Kidman was just set to play the villain Mrs. Coulter.

Chris Weitz is directing his adaptation of the novel; filming begins Sept. 4 at Shepperton Studios in London. New Line has set a Nov. 16, 2007, release date for the film, which is produced by Deborah Forte and Bill Carraro.

Green also appeared in "Kingdom of Heaven" and "The Dreamers."