‘Need for Speed’s’ Harrison Gilbertson to Star in YA Adaptation ‘Fallen’ (Exclusive)

Scott Hicks is directing the adaptation of Lauren Kate’s bestselling series, which stars Jeremy Irvine and Addison Timlin

“Need for Speed” star Harrison Gilbertson has landed the other male lead in “Fallen,” an adaptation of Lauren Kate’s bestselling young adult book series that will also star Jeremy Irvine and Addison Timlin, TheWrap has learned.

Lotus Entertainment and Mayhem Pictures are producing the movie, based on the first book in Kate’s four-part series.

Scott Hicks (“Shine”) is directing from an adapted screenplay by Kathryn Price, Nicole Millard and Michael Ross, the latter of whom wrote the most recent draft.

Also Read: Disney Options ‘Fallen’ Books

A Gothic romantic thriller, “Fallen” follows Luce (Timlin), a shy teen who is sent to Sword and Cross reform school after she’s suspected of killing a boy in a fire. Sword and Cross is no ordinary school, of course, as the majority of its students are fallen angels on the side of good or evil. Like “Twilight” and “Hunger Games,” the young female protagonist finds herself in a love triangle with two male students who have dark secrets of their own.

“War Horse” star Irvine will play Daniel, while Gilbertson will play Cam.

Mayhem’s Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray are producing with Bill Johnson and Jim Seibel of Lotus Entertainment. Silver Reel’s Claudia Bluemhuber is exec producing and Lotus’ Campbell McInnes will oversee the project on behalf of the company.

Also Read: Lionsgate Bets Post-‘Hunger Games,’ ‘Twilight’ Future on More Young Adult Franchises

CAA is representing domestic distribution rights, while Lotus is financing and handling foreign sales.

Gilbertson recently wrapped a role in DreamWorks’ “Need for Speed” opposite Aaron Paul, as well as the lead role in the Australian indie movie “My Mistress.” He also starred in the short film “On Your Knees” in “The Turning,” based on a series of Tim Winton’s short stories that were either directed by or starred some of Australia’s biggest talent, including Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska and Hugo Weaving. Gilbertson co-starred opposite Jennifer Connelly in Dustin Lance Black’s directorial debut “Virginia” and will soon be seen alongside Jacki Weaver in Marc Carter’s “Haunt.”

Gilbertson is repped by APA, Cohn-Torgan Management, attorney Gregg Gellman and Australian agent Helen Pandos.

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