Benjamin Walker and Teresa Palmer have been cast as the lead characters in Lionsgate’s romance-drama “The Choice” based on the Nicholas Sparks novel.
Walker, last seen in HBO series “Muhammad Ali’s Greatest Fight,” will portray Travis Parker. He will star next in Ron Howard’s “Heart of the Sea.”
Palmer starred in “Warm Bodies” and the upcoming “Point Break” remake. She will play Gabby Holland.
Ross Katz is directing the screenplay adaptation written by Bryan Sipe.
Sparks and Theresa Park are partnering with Peter Safran to produce and finance the film, the first independent feature from Nicholas Sparks Productions. Lionsgate’s Jason Constantine and Eda Kowan will oversee the project for the studio.
“The Choice” is set in a small coastal town where Parker ends up pursuing a relationship with his new neighbor, leading to a journey that neither could have foreseen.
Eight of Sparks’ books have been made into films, including “The Notebook,” “Message in a Bottle,” “A Walk to Remember,” “Dear John” and “The Lucky One.””The Best of Me” is due in theaters on Oct. 17 from Relativity and the adaptation of his novel “The Longest Ride” is in post-production.
Katz will begin shooting “The Choice” in October in Wilmington, N.C. The film is expected to be one of the last major titles shot in North Carolina before the state’s longtime incentive program is sharply reduced next year.
Walker is repped by WME and Inspire Entertainment. Palmer is repped by WME, Management 360, Shanahan, and Sloane, Offer, Webber & Dern.
