The 'Hitch' actress is tapped for fantasy thriller.

EVA MENDES is the latest star to sign on for the fantasy thriller 'Will Eisner's The Spirit.'

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the 'Ghost Rider' actress will join SCARLETT JOHANSSON, SAMUEL L. JACKSON and GABRIEL MACHT ('Because I Said So') in the upcoming film about a rookie cop (Macht) who returns from the dead to fight crime as the Spirit from the shadows of Central City.

Eva will play the key role of Sand Saref, described as the only woman who could break the Spirit's heart. As teenage lovers, the two were torn apart when Sand's father was accidentally killed by the Spirit's uncle.

Production is set to begin in October with comic auteur FRANK MILLER making his feature-length directorial debut. It is scheduled for a 2009 release.