Twilight actor Robert Pattinson is set to play Kurt Cobain in a film about the late Nirvana frontman, it's been reported.

Cobain's widow, Courtney Love, who is an executive producer on the project, has apparently made the actor the “number one choice” to play her former husband.

Love is also understood to be targeting actress Scarlett Johansson to play her in the movie, tentatively titled All Apologies.

"This is a big money deal for Courtney,” a source told The Sun newspaper.

"She has agreed to the film on condition that she gets to decide the main aspects of the project including director, casting, screenplay and music.”

Pattinson, 23, is said to be keen to take up the role due to his interest in music.

"Robert has been calling and emailing her non-stop,” the source added.

“She has been a bit wound up by his manners, but he is her number one choice to play Kurt. She is adamant Scarlett will play her.”

Cobain, who along with Nirvana popularised grunge music in the early nineties, committed suicide in 1994.

Details about a film, thought to be based on Charles Cross’ 2001 biography, Heavier Than Heaven, first emerged in 2007.

Pattinson shot to fame as Edward Cullen in the hit vampire franchise, The Twilight Saga.

(by Jason Gregory)