Alessandro Nivola is set to star opposite Audrey Tautou as Coco Chanel's lover in the Chanel biopic Coco avant Chanel, with Anne Fontaine set to direct the French film.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nivola is learning French for the role and likely will be the only American in the film. He will play Arthur Capel, a dashing polo player who sponsored the fashion designer, helping her open her first store and influencing her masculine suit designs. His death in a car crash was described as the most devastating event in Chanel's life.

A September start date is planned.