I think the entire world would understand if Vanessa Redgrave took a very, very long hiatus from acting, given that just last week she lost her daughter, Natasha Richardson, in a freak accident. But apparently Redgrave is ready to throw herself back into work, and she'll be playing the King's mother in Ridley Scott's Robin Hood.

Redgrave's casting brings even more prestige to the cast, which already includes Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. THR doesn't say how big her role will be, just that she'll play Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, mother of King John, who will be played by Oscar Isaacs. Even if it's a tiny role, like her near-cameo in Atonement, Redgrave will surely be a welcome face.