"Twilight" star Robert Pattinson is set to play Lawrence of Arabia in "Queen of the Desert" from legendary director Werner Herzog ("Aguirre, The Wrath of God," "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans").

The film is a biopic of the British writer-archaeologist-spy-diplomat Getrude Bell, who will be played by Naomi Watts, according to Variety. 

T.E. Lawrence was a British officer who, in the midst of WWI, acted as a compassionate liaison during the Arab Revolt against Turkish rule. His passion for the desert land earned him his familiar nickname. Prior to the war, Lawrence came into contact with Bell, who was also working for the British government in the Middle East and eventually the two helped establish the countries of Jordan and Iraq.

Lawrence was immortalized in David Lean's epic "Lawrence of Arabia," with Peter O'Toole in the title role. 

Between this and the upcoming "Cosmopolis," directed by David Cronenberg, Pattinson seems like he's trying to shed his "Twilight" teen idol page by working with revered auteurs.

"Queen of the Desert" is expected to begin production this fall.