The Jay Asher novel 13 Reasons Why (also spelled Th1rteen R3asons Why) has been picked up by Universal for development with Selena Gomez attached to star, Deadline reports.
The novel, a bestseller released in 2007, is described as follows:
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.
Gomez would star as Baker, appearing throughout the film in post-mortem flashbacks.
Currently starring on the Disney Channel series The Wizards of Waverly Place, Gomez appeared on the big screen in last year’s Ramona and Beezus. She is next slated to appear alongside Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy in Monte Carlo.
