Rush, Watson, & Nélisse Track "The Book Thief"

Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson are set to star in an adaptation of author Markus Zusak's novel
 "The Book Thief" says THR.

The World War II set story follows a spirited young girl named Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) who witnesses the horrors of Nazi Germany while in the care of foster parents (Rush, Watson). The girl arrives with a stolen book and begins collecting other tomes, learning to read while her stepparents harbor a Jewish refugee (Ben Schnetzer) under the stairs. Nico Liersch also stars.

Brian Percival ("Downton Abbey") directs the pic.

Karen Rosenfelt and Ken Blancato are producing the film.

Production begins later this month in Berlin.