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Shohreh Aghdashloo is joining the cast of New Line's "Nativity" as St. Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist.

Thesp, who's in final negotiations for the role, will play opposite Keisha Castle-Hughes as the Virgin Mary. Story will focus on the events leading up to the birth of Jesus, including Mary's visit with Elizabeth while both were pregnant.

Aghdashloo, a native of Iran, was nominated for an Oscar for her role in "House of Sand and Fog." She had a recurring part on "24" and appears in the upcoming "X-Men: The Last Stand" and "The Lake House."

Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen are producing "Nativity," and Catherine Hardwicke is directing Mike Rich's script. "Nativity" is being fast-tracked, with shooting to begin in May in Italy and Morocco.

Studio execs Cale Boyter and Michael Disco oversee the project.