Taylor Schilling (NBC's "Mercy") is one lucky actress, as the relative unknown will star opposite Zac Efron in "The Lucky One," Warner Bros.' big screen adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' romance novel, reports Variety.
Oscar nominated Australian filmmaker Scott Hicks ("Shine") will direct from a script by Will Fetters.
The story follows a young Marine who, upon completing three tours in Iraq, returns home to North Carolina attributing his survival to a photo of a mysterious girl, who he then sets out find. When he finally meets her, the two begin to develop feelings for each other.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, award-winning actress Abbie Cornish ("Bright Star") and CW staple Katie Cassidy ("A Nightmare on Elm Street") were also up for the coveted role, which indicates just how wide a net WB cast for this particular part.
Denise Di Novi (a three-time Sparks veteran) will produce with Langley Park's Kevin McCormick, while Di Novi Pictures' president Alison Greenspan will exec produce.
Schilling, a 26-year-old Boston native (like me), next stars in Paul Johansson's indie adaptation of Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." She previously appeared in the little-seen Meryl Streep movie "Dark Matter."
Schilling is represented by Gersh.
