Prep work continued on David O. Russell’s adaptation of Matthew Quick’s novel The Silver Linings Playbook with Winter’s Bone and X-Men: First Class actress Jennifer Lawrence in talks for the role of an eccentric neighbor who befriends a former high school teacher trying to restart his life after being institutionalized for depression.
Mark Wahlberg earlier signed on to play the former teacher and reunite with his director from The Fighter.

Deadline reported that Lawrence is one of many top actresses vying for the role including Rachel McAdams, Blake Lively, Anne Hathaway, and Andrea Riseborough from the upcoming period crime drama Brighton Rock.

Still, Lawrence appeared to be the likely choice for Russell.

Lawrence continued to work on The Hunger Games, director Gary Ross’ highly anticipated adaptation of Suzanne Collins' popular teen adventure novel.

Up next for Lawrence is director Mark Tonderai’s thriller House at the End of the Street with Elisabeth Shue and Max Thieriot.