Richard Jenkins books role in "Dear John" romance

By Gregg Goldstein

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Richard Jenkins, who gained late-career momentum this year with his starring role in the arthouse hit "The Visitor," has joined the cast of "Dear John," a romantic drama based on Nicholas Sparks' best-selling novel.

Jenkins will play the father of a young soldier (Channing Tatum) who meets the girl of his dreams (Amanda Seyfried) while on military leave.

Production is underway in South Carolina, with Lasse Hallstrom at the helm. Screen Gems will distribute the film domestically.

In addition to his role in "The Visitor," Jenkins had a memorable turn in the Coen brothers' "Burn After Reading."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter