Kate Winslet cast in Divergent

British Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet has been cast in upcoming young adult film Divergent, boosting the profile of the latest adaptation from a best-selling novel to the big screen.

Film studio Summit Entertainment said on Thursday that Winslet, 37, will play the cold and unlikeable Jeanine Matthews in the film set in a dystopian future.

The film, based on the first of a trilogy of novels by Veronica Roth, is set in a society that is divided into five factions that define how a person lives their life.

The Abnegation people are selfless while the Erudite devote themselves to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Winslet will play the leader of the Erudite, Summit said in a statement.

The studio previously announced the casting of rising star Shailene Woodley, 21, and British newcomer Theo James, 28.