Shooting for the film will start in May ahead of its release in July 2017

Movie will tell the story of the operation to rescue hundreds of thousands of Allied troops from the beaches around Dunkirk at start of World War Two

He will appear alongside acclaimed actors such as Sir Kenneth Branagh

He found fame as one fifth of the world's most successful boyband.

But floppy-haired lothario Harry Styles is set to swap the stage for the screen as he has been offered a role in Christopher Nolan's version of the classic British war film 'Dunkirk'.

The 22-year-old will appear in the major Hollywood blockbuster alongside critically acclaimed actors such as Sir Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy and recent Oscar winner Mark Rylance.

Moving on: Harry Styles appears set to swap the stage for screen and is using his One Direction hiatus to focus on acting, reportedly landing a role in Christopher Nolan's new film Dunkirk

Back to the day job: Harry has a limited time to pursue his acting projects if he fulfils One Direction's promise that the remaining members (L-R) Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan will reform

Details of the movie are being kept under wraps but the Prestige director is reported to be searching for largely unknown actors to play the leading roles with the well-known stars taking a back seat.

Nolan is also said to be keen on rising star Fionn Whitehead - who will appear in three-part ITV supernatural series Him - for one of the two leads.

The movie will tell the story of the 1940 operation to rescue hundreds of thousands of Allied troops from the beaches around Dunkirk at the start of World War Two.

It is the first recreation of the evacuation [known as Operation Dynamo] - described by Winston Churchill as a 'miracle of deliverance' - since the 1958 original starring John Mills, Richard Attenborough and Robert Urquhart.

Last month it emerged Nolan will be using authentic Second World War battleships for the movie because he wants to avoid having too many digital effects.

Shooting for the film will begin in May at many of the locations where the events actually took place, as well as using full-size battleships.

It is expected to be released in July 2017.

Here come the boys: Sir Kenneth Branagh and Oscar-winner Mark Rylance have also been tipped to star in the upcoming World War II movie

Leading man: Tom Hardy - who worked with Christopher previously after starring as Bane in the Nolan-directed The Dark Knight Rises - has been tipped to star in the upcoming movie

The Oscar nominated director - who most recently headed up the box office hit Interstellar - is believed to have enlisted his wife Emma Thomas as producer, whilst Hans Zimmer is said to be working on the musical score.

Nolan's filmography also includes Inception, Memento and Insomnia.

'We are thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Christopher Nolan, a singular filmmaker who has created some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of all time,' said Greg Silverman, president of Creative Development and Worldwide Production.

'Dunkirk is a gripping and powerful story and we are excited to see Chris, Emma and their cast realize it on the big screen.'

New project: Director Christopher Nolan - who most recently headed the box office hit Interstellar - has kept details of the movie quiet, but it will focus on the evacuation of Dunkirk during World War II

Nolan's movie will be the first recreation of the evacuation - described by Winston Churchill as a 'miracle of deliverance' - since the 1958 original starring John Mills, Richard Attenborough and Robert Urquhart

Styles reportedly expressed an interest in acting during his time in One Direction and was offered a part in the Harvey Weinstein film Tulip Fever, which he ultimately turned down because of touring commitments.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, the director said: 'The part ended up going to Matthew Morrison and let me tell you this, the very first scene he shot was one of him kissing Cara Delevingne.'

He jokingly added: 'So I'm sure Harry won't be turning be down the next role I offer him.'

The Drag Me Down hitmaker has also been linked to FOX series Scream Queens after leading lady Lea Michele hinted that the star could be joining the series.

Speaking to InStyle magazine she revealed: 'I heard a rumour that he may. I don't know if this is true, but he said at a press thing recently that he is talking to a male pop star to come for next year.

'If it's Harry Styles, everybody better calm down. I love One Direction. Everybody knows this.'

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Styles for comment.