The supernatural love story is part of Summit International’s sales slate and production is set for later this month in and around New Orleans.

Beautiful Creatures is based on the first in a series of books by Kami Carcia and Margaret Stohl about star-crossed lovers in a mysterious town. Warner Bros will distribute in North America per Alcon’s relationship with the studio.

Richard LaGravenese will direct from his adapted screenplay and the cast includes Viola Davis, Emma Thompson, Jeremy Irons and Emmy Rossum.

O’Connell dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.