Normal People's Paul Mescal has been cast as the male lead in a new film adaptation of the classic Bizet opera Carmen.

The Irish actor, 24, shot to fame this year after impressing as Connell in the acclaimed drama and even earned an Emmy nomination for the role.

Mescal will replace Jamie Dornan in Carmen, which marks the feature debut of Benjamin Millepied, a former ballet dancer who has previously choreographed Black Swan.

Mexican actress Melissa Barrera - known for Vida, the Netflix series Club de Cuervos and the upcoming Scream 5 - will play the titular role of Carmen.

"I'm honoured to have been cast alongside Melissa, an actor I greatly admire," said Mescal, "and it's an incredible privilege to be working with Benjamin on his first feature, who has put together such an impressive creative team."

Filming of Carmen will take place in Australia starting in mid-January ahead of an expected release in 2022.