Stewart cast as rock star Joan Jett

Kristin Stewart will star as Joan Jett in director Floria Sigismondi's biopic of '70s all-girl rock band The Runaways.

Initially formed as a teen novelty act in 1975 by Kim Fowley, the group established themselves as a credible rock outfit with songs such as 'Cherry Bomb' and 'Queens Of Noise'. The lineup included Jett on lead vocals, guitarist Lita Ford, drummer Sandy West, singer-keyboardist Cherie Currie and bass player Jackie Fox.

The band split in 1979 with Jett going on to form the Blackhearts and notch up hits with 'I Love Rock 'n' Roll' and 'Bad Reputation'.

The Runaways will focus on Jett and Currie and their rise to fame, according to The Hollywood Reporter.