Bollywood's veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has been signed to play an important role opposite Sean Connery in Hollywood director Stephen Norrington's next film. The film, titled "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", will have Naseer pitted opposite the likes of Monica Bellucci, Jason Fleming, Stuart Townsend and Shane West.

Sean Connery plays the leading role in the film as an erudite laureate who leads a team of famous literary characters that include Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde), The Invisible Man (H.G.Wells) and Dr. Jekyll (Louise Stevensen).Naseer, who also has experience of working with the world-renowned actor-turned-director Peter Brooks, is delighted at getting the role. Naseer's role in the film was earlier offered to Bollywood's proverbial Badman Gulshan Grover.

Stephen Norrington (who made "Blade") is hoping to start shooting for the film in the first week of July in Europe.