Hollywood star Chris Pine will take on the role of Robert the Bruce in a new historical epic for Netflix.

The Star Trek actor will play the Bruce in an original film for the popular streaming service, Outlaw King, by acclaimed Scottish director David Mackenzie.

It is due to be shot on location in Scotland starting in August.

Bruce reigned from 1306 as King of Scots until his death in 1329, and fought and won the battle of Bannockburn in 1314, ultimately securing Scotland's independence from England.

He was portrayed in Mel Gibson's 1995 hit film Braveheart by Angus Macfadyen.

Pine, 36, will team up with Mackenzie once again after they collaborated on Western epic Hell or High Water, nominated for best picture at this year's Oscars.

It is also rumoured that Ben Foster, Pine's co-star in that film, will rejoin him on the cast of Outlaw King.

Reporting on the Bruce biopic, US entertainment journal Variety said: "In this version, Bruce will take centre stage and include not only his fight against the British but also the Catholic Church over the idea of a free country."