Disney Channel star Selena Gomez is set to play one of the three lead roles in Tom Bezucha's young femme comedy "Monte Carlo," while a possible deal is in the works for "Gossip Girl's" Leighton Meester.
Nicole Kidman is producing with Denise Di Novi and Alison Greenspan. Kidman may also play a supporting role.
Bezucha, who directed "The Family Stone" for Fox 2000, is set to begin lensing in May. "Monte Carlo" will be shot in Monaco, Budapest and Paris.
Bezucha co-wrote the original script with Maria Maggenti, adapting a novel about a group of American women who ditch a disappointing no-frills holiday in Paris and pose as wealthy women vacationing in Monaco.
The book, "Headhunters," was penned by Jules Bass, known for his Rankin/Bass animated specials.
Originally, Kidman was attached to star, but the updated script -- co-written by Bezucha and April Blair -- has put a younger spin on the story, with two of the characters in college and one just out of high school. Gomez would play the youngest of the three.
Every studio is seeking out younger femme film properties after the boffo success of a string of female-driven films, led by the "Twilight" franchise.
"Monte Carlo" furthers the budding relationship between Fox 2000 and Gomez, who stars in the studio's upcoming "Ramona and Beezus," based on the bestselling kids book series by Beverly Cleary.
Fox 2000 is producing with Walden Media. Greenspan and Di Novi are producers.
Gomez has primarily worked in television and is the star of Disney's hit series "Witches of Waverly Place."
Meester has several feature projects in the works, including "The Roommate" and "Love Don't Let Me Down," also starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Both films will be released in the U.S. by Screen Gems.
Source