The Search For Lisbeth Salander Down To Four Unknowns

Natalie Portman, Ellen Page and Carey Mulligan were all rumored to be in the running for “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’s” highly-coveted title role of computer hacker Lisbeth Salander in the American big screen adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s best-selling mystery novel franchise – but according to Entertainment Weekly and The Daily Beast, four relatively unknown actresses are the lead contenders.

Rooney Mara, who appeared recently in “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and will next be seen with Justin Timberlake in “The Social Network,” (also directed by “Dragon” helmer David Fincher), is reportedly a top contender for the role.

French actress Léa Seydoux, who hails from Paris, is also a possible Lisbeth. Her previous work includes “Robin Hood” and Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds.”

Two down under actresses, Sarah Snook and Sophie Lowe, also being considered for the role. Sarah recently finished Julia Leigh’s erotic fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty,” and Australian audiences know Sophie for her work on “Blessed” and “Blame.”

Also – according to EW – Fincher has his eye on South African singer/rapper Yo-Landi Vi$$er from the group Die Antwoord – but the musical artist is reportedly not looking for a career in film.

Reps for Sony – the studio releasing the American version – were not available for comment when contacted by Access on Wednesday.

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Daniel Craig has landed the role of schlubby journalist Mikael Blomkvist in the American version.

The first of installment of Larsson’s ‘Millennium Trilogy’ is slated to hit theaters on December 21, 2011. The second installment of the original Swedish trilogy, “The Girl Who Played With Fire,” hit American theaters on July 9, and the third movie, “The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets’ Nest” will be released stateside on October 15.