(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Winona Ryder is to play a role in a new horror comedy directed by Tim Burton.

The 38-year-old Hollywood actress will team up once more with the filmmaker for his new animation, Frankenweenie, in 3D. Ryder has previously worked with Burton on Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice and is thought to be joining four other of the directors favourite actors in providing voices for characters in Frankenweenie.

The plot centres on a young boy who makes monster movies starring his dog Sparky. When his beloved pet is hit by a car he tries to bring the dog back to life, but his neighbours soon become terrified of Sparky.

Burton already shot a film short of the story in 1984, and the director has also enlisted the help of Catherine OHara, Martin Landau and Martin Short to work on the project.

OHara and Short will voice five characters each, but casting of the lead role of the boy Victor has not yet been announced.

Ryder can next be seen in Black Swan by Darren Aronofsky, which was recently shown at the Toronto Film Festival.

Frankenweenie is expected to be released in cinemas from March 2012. (C) Cover Media