It seems like ages ago we found out that actress Natalie Portman and director David O. Russell had decided to walk away from Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, the movie adaptation of author Seth Grahame-Smith‘s twist on the classic Jane Austen novel…which of course adds the walking dead to the formal 19th century setting.

According to sources Lionsgate has now chosen their leading lady to replace Portman, formally offering the role to Emma Stone. Stone is of course best known from Zombieland and Easy A, and has also appeared in Superbad, The Rocker, The House Bunny, and Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.

Portman is still going to produce the film and, after a bit of shuffling, Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl, Fright Night [2011]) was chosen to replace Russell in the director’s chair.

Stone can soon be seen in upcoming films including Friends with Benefits, Crazy, Stupid, Love, and the Spider-Man reboot, The Amazing Spider-Man.

UPDATE: This story has turned into a sharp reminder of why it’s a waste of time to write about an actor getting offered a part. Deadline has the update stating that Emma Stone has decided to decline the role, leaving it once again open for business. I supposed it makes sense if you don’t want to do too much zombie action in your young and budding career.

[Source: Variety]