The search for the co-leads of Universal’s “Endless Love” is over as Alex Pettyfer and English actress Gabriella Wilde have been tapped to star.
Though there was a book written by Scott Spencer in 1979 followed by a movie starring Brooke Shields in 1981, it is unknown how closely this film’s plot will mirror the previous versions.
Shana Feste is helming the pic. Scott Stuber and Pamela Abdy of Bluegrass Films and Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage from Fake Empire will produce. Tracy Falco will executive produce.
Feste re-wrote the script, which was originally penned by Josh Safran. Universal’s Vice President of Production Kristin Lowe and creative exec Chloe Yellin will oversee “Endless Love” for the studio.
The project was highly sought after by several up-and-comers looking for a breakout role, and required a handful of test screenings before the final casting decisions were made. Others who tested for the leads included Brenton Thwaites, Sarah Bolger and Olivia Cooke.
After a string of action and comedy pics, “Endless Love” marks Stuber’s first attempt at a straight romance since he produced the Fox pic “Love and Other Drugs.” His comedy “Ted” has grossed $547 million B.O. and the action-thriller “Safe House” brought in $197 million worldwide.
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Fake Empire has several projects in development at Paramount where they have a first look deal. Projects include “Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick,” “The Luxe” and “The Likeness,” the latter of which Savage will write.
Pettyfer was last seen in “Magic Mike” and will appear next in “The Butler.” Wilde can be seen next in MGM’s “Carrie” remake.
WME and attorney Steve Warren rep Pettyfer. ICM Partners and Charles Collier in the U.K. rep Wilde.
