Despite the obvious cache that comes with working alongside Clint Eastwood, Charlize Theron has clearly decided that his latest project – a biopic of controversial FBI founder J Edgar Hoover – is not for her. The big question now: just what enticing project has lured her away?

Vulture’s report on Theron leaving the Eastwood film includes the hint that she might – stress on the might since very little to do with the movie is set in stone yet – be considering the lead in Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel. Though the director apparently still thinks Noomi Rapace is the right person for the job of bringing Elizabeth Shaw to life, Fox is keen to slot in a bigger name who can balance out more intriguing (but lesser known) thesps.

There’s no word on whether she’s truly considering going into space with Scott, though the script may already be getting a polish to appeal to the actress for when it crosses her agent’s desk.

Deadline, meanwhile, has it that Theron already has one other job lined up, signing on to star in Snow White and the Huntsman as the evil queen.

And what of Eastwood? He's continuing to add to the J Edgar cast, with Gossip Girl actor Ed Westwick the latest to jump aboard, joining the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, Damon Herriman and Judi Dench. Plus now he’s pondering performers who can take over the role Theron was mooted for, including Amy Adams and Naomi Watts…