Italian filmmaker Carlo Carlei is directing from a script by Julian Fellowes ("Gosford Park").

Hailee Steinfeld is set to star as Juliet, while Holly Hunter was recently cast as the Nurse, who effectively raised Juliet and serves as a go-between for her and Romeo, who has not yet been cast.

Westwick will play Tybalt, Juliet's hot-tempered cousin who is always quick to draw his sword.

Former New Line execs Ileen Maisel and Mark Ordesky are producing with Gabriele Muccino and Fellowes.

Production is scheduled to start this summer in Italy.

Westwick is coming off a supporting turn in Clint Eastwood's "J. Edgar," which Warner Bros. is slated to release Dec. 14. Thesp's commitment to the CW's "Gossip Girl" is not expected to interfere with "Romeo and Juliet's" shooting schedule. Westwick is repped by WME and Affirmative Entertainment.