Daniel Radcliffe to build Brooklyn Bridge

The British actor will play Washington Roebling, the young engineer who oversaw the long and arduous construction of the famous bridge, in a forthcoming period drama. Twenty-four-year-old Daniel Radcliffe has agreed to star in "Brooklyn Bridge," according to production company Goldcrest. The feature will portray the various setbacks encountered by engineers and workers during the 14-year construction of the bridge connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. The story will open with how Roebling was tasked with overseeing construction on the Brooklyn Bridge following the death of his father, John A. Roebling, in an accident in 1869. The plot will emphasize the relationship between Washington Roebling and his wife, Emily, who allowed him to continue his work on the bridge even when he was paralyzed due to decompression sickness. "Brooklyn Bridge" will be presented to cinema professionals at the European Film Market, held on the sidelines of the Berlin Film Festival in February.

The Brooklyn Bridge is still a popular tourist attraction. --Andrew Burton/Getty Images/AFP

Director Douglas McGrath ("Infamous") is scheduled to begin principal photography on the feature in August 2014.