The Working Title and Focus Features film is penned by William Broyles Jr. ("Apollo 13") and centers on Grace Winter, a newlywed and a widow who is on trial for murder in 1914. She recounts how she survived the sinking of the transatlantic ship Empress with the help of her new husband.
Hathaway will produce with Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Liza Chasin of Working Title, along with Film 360's Suzan Bymel and Ben Forkner. Broyles is executive producer.
Hathaway, who took home the Oscar for her performance as the ill-fated Fantine in "Les Miz," has also been seen in "Rachel Getting Married," "The Princess Diaries," "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Devil Wears Prada," among others.