Kate Winslet is in negotiations to star in Intermedia Films' historical drama "Enigma" for director Michael Apted. Winslet would fit the project into her schedule before her next big production--the birth of her first child to husband James Threapleton.

Shooting is slated to begin in London this spring with Dougray Scott and Saffron Burrows also starring. The film, budgeted at more than $30 million, does not yet have a U.S. distributor.

"Enigma" would again team Winslet with Intermedia's Guy East and Nigel Sinclair, who are developing "Therese Raquine," in which the actress will play the title role. "Enigma's" spring shooting schedule would allow Winslet to complete her role before her baby is due. The actress is still firmly committed to "Raquine" as her follow-up project, however no start dates have been determined.

Winslet plays the lead female role in "Enigma," based on Robert Harris' best-selling novel of the same name and set in Britain's historical code-breaking country house Bletchly Park. The script by Tom Stoppard and Hannah Weg tells the story of a brilliant young man (Scott) who races against time to break a German code and solve a mystery.

Mick Jagger and Lorne Michaels are producing the project. David Brown, Victoria Pearman and Intermedia's East and Sinclair are executive producing.

"Enigma" has been in development at Intermedia since the company picked up the project in turn-around from Paramount Pictures in 1998. Intermedia is creating a Web site for the film in an effort to build interest. Winslet is repped by WMA.

by Zorianna Kit