Jonathan Levine to Direct Film Adaptation of YA Thriller Legend

This past February we posted that CBS Films had acquired the rights to the futuristic young adult thriller Legend by Marie Lu. Now we're learning that Jonathan Levine will direct the film adaptation.

Set in 2130, in what was once the western United States, the Republic is a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths -- until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Legend is scheduled to be published by Putnam in November, 2011.

(Source: The Hollywood Reporter.)