Charlize Theron Joins Adaptation Of Gillian Flynn's 'Dark Places'

nullUpdate 02/07: Exclusive Media have confirmed Theron will star in "Dark Places" and co-produce via her Denver And Delilah Productions. No word yet on when production will begin, but "Sarah's Key" helmer Gilles Paquet-Brenner will direct.

Original story 02/04: It looks like Gillian Flynn is Hollywood's hot new author. Even though she's only written three novels to date, "Gone Girl" has David Fincher kicking the tires on the director's chair, "Sharp Objects" is brewing over at Blumhouse ("Paranormal Activity," "Insidious") and "Dark Places" has already attracted the attention of Amy Adams. And while the actress has moved on from the developing movie, a no less talented name may be taking her place.

Deadline reports that Charlize Theron is now circling the lead role. The story centers on Libby Day, who witnesses her family get murdered as a teenager, and testifies against her brother when he is tried for the crime. 25 years later, Libby is brought before the secretive, crime-solving Kill Club who want to uncover the truth about what happened. Sounds promising, but it seems everything is a bit tenuous. Gilles Paquet-Brenner, the man behind the sleeper hit "Sarah's Key," will direct from his script, and the movie is ambitiously eyeing a start date next month.

That being said, the $15 million production still needs to lock down Theron, and we presume funding will only happen if they can get an actress of her caliber. But if negotiation is handled well, this is definitely one we'll be keeping a firm eye on.