Tom Hanks wants Charlize Theron to play Marilyn Monroe in his new movie.

The actress is in talks to play her screen idol in a new film, produced by Hanks' production company Playtone Films.

The 30-year-old Oscar-winner is the producers' favorite to portray the late "Some Like it Hot" actress in the movie adaptation of Monroe's biography "Goddess."

Theron has on many occasions spoken about her admiration for 50s sex symbol - and once considered buying the star's old house.

Meanwhile, Paris Hilton has claimed she is as good an actress as Theron.

The sexy socialite insists she is easily as talented as the screen beauty, who won the Best Actress prize for her performance in "Monster," and says the pair will soon be competing for the same roles.

She said: "My acting coach told me I have a similar style of acting to her so we may end up vying for the same parts."