Cast member Emma Roberts attends the world premiere of "Nancy Drew" held at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood June 9, 2007.(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

    BEIJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Young Hollywood starlet Emma Roberts, niece of Julia Roberts, is set to star in Dreamworks' live-action comedy "Hotel for Dogs," media reported Thursday.

    The film, basing on a novel by American writer and novelist Lois Duncan, is about two orphaned teenagers who hide dozens of stray dogs in an abandoned hotel.

    The film will be a feature directorial debut for visual effects maven Thor Freudenthal.

    Roberts, 16, has recently signed to reprise her role as the teen detective in a "Nancy Drew" sequel.

    Her big-screen credits also include "Aquamarine" and "Spymate" in 2006.

    　(Agencies)