I’m not what you’d call a chick-chick.  But I have to admit I’ve seen my fair share of chick movies.  But I do love Josh Duhamel (he was very enjoyable in Transformers and Life As We Know It) and Julianne Hough (stop it, I liked the new Footloose!), so when I heard the director of Chocolat is putting his not-too-sappy style to a film version of Nicholas Sparks’ Safe Haven?  Gotta say I’m intrigued.

Being more of a horror/sci-fi junkie than a overly-chick chick film gal (translation: I do have my favorite gal flicks, but I avoid movies like Bridges of Madison County like the plague), the first Sparks film I’ve ever seen was The Lucky One.  I liked, it, and my fellow Geek for e-er Tatiana liked it, so here’s hoping throwing a bit of thriller in the story mix will make Safe Haven a film guys and gals will enjoy (gasp!)

Take it away, Relativity Media!

(Beverly Hills, Calif.) May 30, 2012 – Relativity Media has closed deals with Josh Duhamel (Transformers, Life As We Know It) and Julianne Hough (Rock of Ages, Footloose) to star as the lead roles in its upcoming film adaptation of Safe Haven, based on the best-selling novel from internationally-known author Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook, Dear John), it was announced today by Relativity’s President Tucker Tooley. The film is targeted to start production next month in Southport, North Carolina with a February 8^th, 2013 release date. Additional casting to be announced.

Oscar^® and DGA-nominee Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules) will direct the film with Temple Hill Entertainment’s Marty Bowen (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2) and Wyck Godfrey (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2) producing alongside Relativity’s CEO Ryan Kavanaugh (The Fighter). Sparks, who recently launched his production company, Nicholas Sparks Productions, will also produce. Relativity’s Tooley (The Fighter) will serve as executive producer. The screenplay is written by Dana Stevens (City Of Angels) and Les Bohem (Dante’s Peak). Relativity previously teamed up with Hallström, Bowen, Godfrey and Sparks on the 2010 box office hit Dear John.  

Sparks said, “I’m thrilled that Josh and Julianne have agreed to come aboard Safe Haven—it’s hard to think of an actor better-suited to play the character of Alex than Josh, and Julianne will bring a combination of vulnerability and strength to the role of Katie.  They are both such talented and charismatic individuals – and best of all, they have tremendous personal chemistry, which is essential for this film.”

Safe Haven is an affirming and suspenseful story about a young woman’s struggle to find love again after she arrives in a small North Carolina town. Her reluctance to join the tight-knit community raises questions about her past.  Slowly, she begins putting down roots, and gains the courage to start a relationship with Alex, a widowed store owner with two young children.  But dark secrets intrude on her new life with such terror that she is forced to rediscover the meaning of sacrifice and rely on the power of love in this deeply moving romantic thriller.

We’ll have more info — and pictures of these very photogenic stars — as it becomes available….