Lindsay Lohan and Keira Knightley do battle

Lindsay Lohan and Keira Knightley will battle for the lead role in 'Wuthering Heights'.

The actresses are both vying to play romantic heroine Catherine Earnshaw in the big screen version of Emily Bronte's classic 1847 novel. Director John Maybury said: "I certainly wouldn't count Keira out but it's whether or not she wants to get back into period costume, because she's been in a few period dramas. "I don't count Lindsay Lohan out either.

I really believe in the girl and she's coming out from the other side of her well documented problems – she just needs to be treated seriously." However, Lindsay's nationality could count against her. Maybury added to Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "It can be slightly annoying having American actresses in British parts. They may be able to do brilliant British accents but that can be off putting if their accent is too perfect."

Lindsay was set to star alongside Keira in Dylan Thomas biopic 'The Edge of Love' - also directed by Maybury - but pulled out at the last minute. The actress couldn't get insurance following her high-profile battles with alcohol and drugs, which saw her spend a two-month stint in rehab last year. The month before pulling out of the film, Lindsay had been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and cocaine possession.