(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Lindsay Lohan is set to become the next Angelina Jolie, claims a movie director.

The troubled actress has suffered a string of legal woes over the last few months, spending time in jail and rehab after violating the terms of her 2007 conviction for Driving Under the Influence. She recently pleaded not guilty to felony grand theft, following allegations she stole a $2,500 necklace from a jewellery store.

Director Nathan Folks has cast Lindsay in his new movie Escaping the Game, in which she will play a CIA agent. Nathan is adamant he will stand by Lindsay despite her problems, and thinks the key to her starting afresh will be reminding people how talented she is.

He has likened her to Angelina, who at one point was better known for wearing a vial of ex-husband Billy Bob Thorntons blood around her neck and having a fascination with knives, than for her acting ability.

There will be lots of action and stunts, and she has to be prepared, he told RadarOnline.com.

"She will play a role like Angelina Jolie's character in Salt. And lets face it even Angelina went through a rough time in the beginning. She had a very dark time but got these type of roles and managed to turn her life around.

"I believe this is what will happen to Lindsay, and she could be the next Angelina. People need to believe in her.

"If she wasn't able to film because she was in jail, of course I would have to recast her. But I'm fighting for her all the way."

Nathan added Lindsay is finding the current accusations against her tough. The star has continually insisted she is innocent, event writing a Facebook post in which she said she wasnt raised to steal.

She appeared in court earlier this week, and during the hearing the judge warned she faces jail time if she accepts a plea bargain which has been offered. She will return to court on March 10 to confirm whether she will be taking the deal. (C) Cover Media