Relativity Media has announced that Julianne Hough (Footloose, Rock of Ages) has officially joined Josh Duhamel (Transformers, Life As We Know It) to headline its upcoming film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven, officially described as follows:
“Safe Haven” is an affirming and suspenseful story about a young womans struggle to find love again after she arrives in a small North Carolina town. Her reluctance to join the tight-knit community raises questions about her past. Slowly, she begins putting down roots, and gains the courage to start a relationship with Alex, a widowed store owner with two young children. But dark secrets intrude on her new life with such terror that she is forced to rediscover the meaning of sacrifice and rely on the power of love in this deeply moving romantic thriller.
Lasse Hallström (My Life as a Dog, The Cider House Rules) will direct the film with Temple Hill Entertainments Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey producing alongside Relativitys CEO Ryan Kavanaugh. Sparks, who recently launched his production company, Nicholas Sparks Productions, will also produce. Relativitys Tooley (The Fighter) will serve as executive producer. The screenplay is written by Dana Stevens (City of Angels) and Les Bohem (Dante’s Peak). Relativity previously teamed up with Hallström, Bowen, Godfrey and Sparks on the 2010 box office hit Dear John.
Im thrilled that Josh and Julianne have agreed to come aboard ‘Safe Haven,'” says Sparks. “Its hard to think of an actor better-suited to play the character of Alex than Josh, and Julianne will bring a combination of vulnerability and strength to the role of Katie. They are both such talented and charismatic individuals and best of all, they have tremendous personal chemistry, which is essential for this film.
The film is targeted to start production next month in Southport, North Carolina with a February 8th, 2013 release date. Additional casting to be announced.
(Photo Credit: DJDM / WENN.com)
