Australian actor Kate Beahan has landed her first Hollywood leading role, starring opposite Nicolas Cage in The Wicker Man.

The remake of the classic 1973 film is being shot in Vancouver with director Neil LaBute at the helm.

"The film is a remake of a 1970s British film by the same name which enjoys somewhat of a cult following," Beahan, who got her big break in Chopper opposite Eric Bana, said from Los Angeles.

"The film bears resemblance to the original and explores some of the same themes but will be executed very differently."

Edward Woodward starred in the original Wicker Man and will appear in the remake.

The original also starred Britt Ekland, Christopher Lee and Australian actor Diane Cilento.

The suspense thriller began production last month, telling the story of Sheriff Edward Malus (Cage) as he investigates the disappearance of a young girl on a remote island off the coast of Maine.

Things and people are not as they seem on the island and when Sheriff Malus discovers evidence of pagan rituals, his hope of unraveling the girl’s disappearance become increasingly uncertain.

Beahan plays Willow, Malus’ ex-fiancee and love interest.

"I auditioned for a different part and the director thought I might be better suited to the part of Willow so we pursued that," Beahan said.

"It was quite a fast process, all things considered."

LaBute’s previous work includes In the Company of Men, Nurse Betty and Possession.

"Neil is such an interesting director and I am enjoying working with him very much," Beahan said.

Beahan is definitely an Aussie actor to watch in the coming year, with three major Hollywood films to be released.

She will be seen in support roles in the upcoming thriller Flightplan opposite Jodie Foster, Peter Sarsgaard and Sean Bean and an untitled thriller with Sarah-Michelle Gellar.

Beahan’s television credits include Water Rats, Young Lions, After the Deluge and Love is a Four Letter Word.