I hope Emma Watson doesn’t regret cutting her hair now.

One of Hollywood’s most highly coveted parts has finally been cast. Rooney Mara, most recently featured in the Nightmare on Elm Street remake, will now play the lead in the remake of another film: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Although a number of A-list actresses had reportedly been in contention for the role of computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, director David Fincher decided to narrow his focus on lesser-known stars. Rooney, who will be seen later this year in The Social Network, was the one who eventually won the part over names like Carey Mulligan, Natalie Portman and Mia Wasikowska.

Mara will alongside Daniel Craig, who was previously cast as journalist Mikael Blomkvist. Shooting on Tattoo will begin next month in time for a December 21, 2011 release.