Jake Gyllenhaal has been signed to star in Disney's Prince Of Persia: Sands Of Time - after months of speculation surrounding the movie's male lead.

The Brokeback Mountain star has been confirmed to play the title's Prince Daston in moviemaker Jerry Bruckheimer's film adaptation of the hit computer game, according to industry publication Hollywood reporter.

Initially, reports suggested British actor Orlando Bloom was to play the lead, with speculation suggesting he was set to received a huge $40 million fee for the role.

But the reports were denied by Disney last month.

The film will also star Bond Girl Gemma Arterton, and is slated to be directed by Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire filmmaker Mike Newell.

Work on the epic movie will start on June 19th at U.k. based Pinewood Studios, with location work in Morocco.

The Sands Of Time will be the first in a trilogy of films based on the games.