LOS ANGELES  - Julia Roberts has closed a deal to star as the evil queen in one of three rival Snow White projects in the works.

The actress has signed to star in a modern-edged take being directed by Tarsem Singh ("The Cell") for Relativity Media. Shooting on the untitled project begins in April.

The story follows Snow White as she looks for payback along with her band of seven dwarves after her stepmother kills her father. It is set for a June 29, 2012, release.

Roberts most recently starred in "Eat Pray Love," and will next be on screen with Tom Hanks in the comedy "Larry Crowne," which opens July 1.

Elsewhere, Disney is moving ahead on a Snow White project set in 19th century China, while Universal has been courting Kristen Stewart for the lead role in its version.