Ben Affleck stars in first Gone Girl image

20th Century Fox has released the first image from David Fincher's new thriller, Gone Girl .

The picture stars leading man Ben Affleck and the first peek at the much-anticipated adaptation of the literary smash.

In case you've been hiding under a literary rock of late, the story concerns the tale of a seemingly happy marriage between Nick Dunne (Affleck) and his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike).

When Amy goes mysteriously missing, and the truth behind their marriage comes to light, Nick becomes the prime suspect.

The picture shows Affleck appealing for help, as Amy's parents - played by David Clennon and Lisa Barnes - look on.

Fans of the book rave about the plot twists and suspense - and it's hard to deny Fincher doesn't have past form there.

Gone Girl is set for a late 2014 release.