Madonna has agreed to voice a character in the animated film Arthur.

The Hollywood Reporter says Arthur is adapted from a series of children's books written by Luc Besson, who also wrote the screenplay for the movie.

Ten-year-old Arthur, in a bid to save his grandfather's house from developers, goes in search of treasure hidden in the land of the Minimoys, a tiny people living in harmony with nature.

The 80 million dollar film is scheduled for a 2006 release and will include some live-action sequences. The 3-D animation is being crafted by French specialist Buf Compagnie.

Madonna will be voicing the part of Princess Selenia, a character who travels with Arthur to a mysterious forbidden city where an evil being dwells. A major male star is also being cast.

Arthur will be the first film directed by Besson since The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc five years ago.

Source: Press Release