Zac Efron (The Paperboy, The Lucky One) and Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden (Mystic River, Pollock) are set to join Oscar nominated Paul Giamatti (The Ides of March, Cinderella Man), Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade, Eagle Eye) and Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver (Silver Linings Playbook, Animal Kingdom) in the cast of Parkland, produced by Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman and Exclusive Media, who will also be financing. Exclusive Media Co-Chairmen Nigel Sinclair and Guy East made the announcement this morning.

Based on the epic book "Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy," by renowned author and former prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi, the adapted screenplay is written by award-winning journalist and novelist Peter Landesman, who will also direct Parkland marking his directorial debut. Parkland recounts the dramatic true story of the chaotic events that occurred at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22nd 1963. The film, to be shot in Austin, Texas is destined for a 2013 US theatrical release around the 50thanniversary of the assassination.

“Zac Efron continues to impress us with his recent shift into more dramatic roles which showcase his exceptional acting skills and Marcia Gay Harden is an unparalleled actress who gives tour de force performances in every film she appears. We look forward to seeing their combined talent in Peter Landesman’s powerful and mesmerizing story alongside the excellent cast already attached to this film,” said Guy East and Nigel Sinclair.

Matt Jackson, Exclusive Media’s Head of US Production, will oversee the production on behalf of the company. Exclusive Media is handling the worldwide distribution rights to the film with international led by Alex Walton, President of International Sales and Distribution.

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