Knightley in Talks for Hallstrom

Actress circles romantic drama.

Twitch has word that Keira Knightley (‘Seeking a Friend for the End of the World’) is in early talks for the lead role in the Nicholas Sparks adaptation ‘Safe Haven.’

When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbour, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo’s empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

The adaptation will be directed by Lasse Hallström (‘Dear John,’ ‘The Cider House Rules,’ ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’).