The prettiest witch in the world

Her name is Michelle Pfeiffer, and it's been a while since we saw her in a big film. All that, thankfully, is about to change. Currently, the 49-year-old actress looks resplendent at the July 29 premiere of her latest film in Los Angeles.

Stardust, director Matthew Vaughn's adaptation of the bestselling novel by fantasy genius Neil Gaiman, features Pfeiffer as evil witch Lamia, in the midst of a stellar cast.

Here's a look at the people of Stardust, releasing in the US on August 10.

Writer Neil Gaiman (left) considers Stardust one of his own favourites. Written in a pre-Tolkien style (the author credits writers like Lord Dunsany as his stylistic inspirations), the book is a love story featuring fairies, witches -- and falling stars.

Claire Danes (centre) plays the star in question, falling to earth and transforming into a stunning beauty called Yvaine.

Charlie Cox (right) is the story's hero, Tristran, battling all odds to win the love of Victoria, played by Sienna Miller.

Robert De Niro plays Captain Shakespeare, a pirate.

Also starring in the film is Office star Ricky Gervais as a dodgy trader called Ferdy The Fence.

The massive cast further includes Ian McEwan as narrator, Rupert Everett as Secondus, and the legendary Peter O'Toole as the King of Stormhold.

The film is directed by Matthew Vaughn.

Husband to the gorgeous Claudia Schiffer, the Layer Cake director passed on the chance to direct X-Men 3, the film eventually going to Brett Ratner.

While this is his second directorial venture, Vaughn's filmmaking credits include Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, both of which he produced.

Another pleasant sight at the premiere, especially for Pfeiffer-fans, was the thought that they might be seeing double.

Dedee Pfeiffer, (right) Michelle's younger sister, joined her on the red carpet, and the 43-year-old actress cut a stunning figure as well.