(Update 5:30 p.m. PST: "Twilight" actress Elizabeth Reaser has joined the cast as Patrick Wilson's wife, reports Deadline. Reaser currently enjoys a recurring role on the CBS drama "The Good Wife." She is represented by UTA.)
"Up in the Air" director Jason Reitman is back in the Paramount fold, as the studio has acquired worldwide distribution rights to Mandate Pictures' "Young Adult," the studio has announced.
I'm tempted to borrow a certain catchphrase from one of our chief competitors, but I'll refrain for fear of possible copyright infringement.
Back in August, TheWrap published an agency coverage email regarding Paramount's development slate, which revealed that the studio was negotiating to pick up the project. It looks like that prophecy has fulfilled itself.
It's a smart move for Paramount, as Reitman's last two films were both nominated for Best Picture.
Oscar winner Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson and Patton Oswalt star in Reitman's dark comedy, which was written by Oscar winner Diablo Cody.
The story follows a divorced ghostwriter of YA novels (Theron) who returns to her hometown in Minnesota to reconnect with high school friends and track down her idealized ex-boyfriend, who is now married with kids and no longer wants anything to do with her.
Wilson will play the object of Theron's affection/obsession, while Oswalt will play her physically disabled friend who serves as the film's voice of reason as the lead character's behavior grows increasingly bizarre.
Cody will produce with her former manager Mason Novick, Reitman, and Lianne Halfon and Russell Smith of Mr. Mudd Prods., whose John Malkovich will exec produce with Mandate's Nathan Kahane and Indian Paintbrush's Steven Rales and Helen Estabrook of Reitman's Right of Way Films.
Mandate's Mary Lee and Kelli Konop will co-produce with Beth Kono of Theron's Denver and Delilah Prods.
Production is scheduled to begin later this month in New York.
