Gary Ross to Write, Direct Jennifer Lawrence-Led EAST OF EDEN Film

The Hollywood Reporter writes that Gary Ross will pen the new film adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel EAST OF EDEN, set to star Jennifer Lawrence for Universal Pictures. Ross will also direct.

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EAST OF EDEN centers on two families living in the Salinas Valley in California before World War I. The story hints at the tale of Cain and Abel from The Bible and will follow a father, his wife, his two sons, and another family over the course of two generations.

Elia Kazan directed a 1955 movie adaptation of the book, starring James Dean, which focused on the second generation.

Brian Grazer, Imagine Entertainment's Anna Culp are producing the new version for Universal.

Among Ross' screenwriting credits are The Hunger Games and Seabiscuit - both of which he also directed - as well as Pleasantville, Lassie, Dave, Big and more.

Lawrence will next be seen in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Serena, as well as The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Parts 1 and 2. She was nominated for an Oscar this year for her performance in American Hustle, won an Academy Award for starring in Silver Linings Playbook, and was previously nominated for her role in Winter's Bone.

Photo Credit: David Dettmann/David Fisher/Jonathan Hordle/Rex/REX USA.