McConaughey to star in 'Lincoln Lawyer'

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 27 (UPI) -- Lionsgate says it has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to the upcoming film adaptation of Michael Connelly's novel "The Lincoln Lawyer."

The announcement was jointly made Monday by Joe Drake, Lionsgate's chief operating officer and motion picture group president; Tom Rosenberg, Lakeshore Entertainment chairman and chief executive officer, and Sidney Kimmel, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment's chief executive officer.

Lakeshore Entertainment secured rights to the Connelly novel prior to its publication date in 2005 and developed the project.

Lionsgate acquired the U.S. rights to the film from Lakeshore and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, and Lakeshore is now handling international distribution for the movie, which is to star Matthew McConaughey and Marisa Tomei.

The supporting cast includes Ryan Phillippe, William H. Macy, John Leguizamo, Michael Pena, Trace Adkins and Katherine Moennig. Director Brad Furman is to begin production on the film in Los Angeles in July.