Jennifer Lawrence is looking to portray socialite Zelda Fitzgerald in the the drama currently titled “Zelda,” which is being developed and eyed by Ron Howard (“Inferno”) as a potential directing vehicle, TheWrap has learned.
“Zelda” reteams Lawrence with former Lionsgate executive Allison Shearmur, who worked with the actress on “The Hunger Games” franchise.
Shearmur is producing “Zelda” with Brian Oliver (“Hacksaw Ridge”). Lawrence and her producing partner Justine Ciarrocchi also will serve as producers.
Based on a script by Emma Frost (“The White Queen”), the story centers on Fitzgerald, an American novelist and socialite who was married to author F. Scott Fitzgerald whose work she strongly influenced.
Nancy Milford’s bestselling biography “Zelda,” which was optioned by the filmmakers, will serve as the inspiration for the script.
Brian Oliver‘s Cross Creek Pictures, whose recent films include “Black Mass” and the upcoming Tom Cruise starrer “Mena,” is in talks to finance and produce “Zelda.”
Shearmur produced Disney’s live-action “Cinderella” and the upcoming “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Shearmur is also an executive producer on “Power Rangers” and executive producer of the upcoming ABC musical event “Dirty Dancing.”
Lawrence has Sony’s “Passengers” up next, which opens Dec. 21, and most recently starred in David O. Russell‘s “Joy,” for which she received her fourth Oscar nomination.
Lawrence and Howard are repped by CAA.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.