Henry Thomas cast in 'Dear John'

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Former child actor Henry Thomas has agreed to star in "Dear John," the big-screen adaptation of Nicholas Sparks's novel, The Hollywood Reporter said.

Thomas is best known for his roles in "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial," "Cloak & Dagger," "All the Pretty Horses," "Suicide Kings" and "Gangs of New York."

Lasse Hallstrom is to direct him in the love story "Dear John," which co-stars Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

Hallstrom previously helmed "Casanova," "The Cider House Rules" and "Chocolat."

Sparks also penned the romances "The Notebook," "Message in a Bottle" and "A Walk To Remember," all of which have been made into popular movies.