At only 15 years of age, Keisha Castle-Hughes is becoming a household name. Now, you can add one more giant step into her reach for super stardom. The star of 2004's Whale Rider has been cast as Mary in New Line Cinema's Nativity. The biblical film will show the life of the Virgin Mary before the birth of Jesus.

Thirteen's Catherine Hardwicke is set to direct the film, written by Mike Rich. The script follows Mary and Joseph's departure from Nazareth as they head to Bethlehem. Rich has included biblical figures King Herod, John the Baptist and the three kings from the Orient, among others.

New Line exec Toby Emmerich, Cale Boyter and Michael Disco are overseeing the project, which begins shooting in May in Morocco and Italy.

Look for Nativity to surface around Christmas time.

The Nativity Story was released December 1st, 2006 and stars Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Hiam Abbass, Shaun Toub, Ciarán Hinds, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Stanley Townsend, Alexander Siddig. The film is directed by Catherine Hardwicke.