Today Variety announced that the lead had been cast in "I Love You, Beth Cooper"

If you're a constant reader you know that I was a huge fan of the book ILYBC, and have been following the casting news since the project was announced. As previously announced Hayden Panettiere has signed on to play the titular character, and now comes news that newcomer Paul Rust (Semi-Pro) has been cast as Denis Coverman the uber-geeky senior that decides to profess his love for the school's head cheerleader in his valedictorian speech.

While Rust looks geeky enough, it does trouble me that according to his MySpace (the only info I could find on him) he's 26, 8 years older than Panettiere. I guess we'll see how well he works out, but either way I'm glad to see things progressing.

Also joinging Rust and Panettiere are Jack Carpenter (Sidney White), Lauren Storm (The Game Plan) and Lauren London (This Christmas) presumably as Denis's best friend, and Beth's two cheerleader girlfriends, respectively.

Chris Columbus will direct the film, which he is also producing through his 1492 Pictures banner. Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe also produce.

Project is based on a novel by former "Simpsons" scribe Larry Doyle, who penned the screenplay. Shooting is scheduled to start next month in Vancouver.

Labels: Beth Cooper, Casting