Nathalia

Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan is to star in a film adaptation of the popular Abba-themed stage musical, Mamma Mia!

In a dramatic departure from his suave 007 persona, Brosnan will be belting out some of the iconic band's popular tunes alongside Oscar-winning actress, Meryl Streep, the Daily Variety reports.

According to the film tabloid, the actor will star as Sam, one of three men summoned to a Greek island by a young woman who is seeking to find out the identity of her father, in a tale set against a backdrop of classic Abba songs.

Amanda Seyfried is reportedly lined up for the role of the young woman who is searching for answers about her past ahead of her wedding, while Streep will play her mother.

Commenting on his new role, Brosnan told Daily Variety that he said yes to the part in the forthcoming Universal picture "right away" because he wanted the opportunity to work with Streep.

"Secondly, I saw the show with my family in London, and found it just so wonderfully happy and joyful, and so pitched in time forever in the 1970s," he said.

"What a kick in the pants, to be able to go off and spend time with Meryl on some Greek island, singing ABBA songs," he added.