LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of Oscar-winning director Ron Howard, has signed on to make her feature film debut with a starring role in director M. Night Shyamalan's "The Woods."

Kirsten Dunst previously had the offer for the role and was in talks to star. However, the actress has now turned her attention to "Elizabethtown," a project written and to be directed by Cameron Crowe, which has yet to be set up. Talks have barely begun for Dunst and "Elizabethtown," but a domestic distributor is expected to be found shortly, with production beginning in first-quarter 2004.

A deal for the twentysomething Howard to join the cast was reached last weekend, shortly after Shyamalan saw her perform in the Public Theater production of "As You Like It" in New York. Her film debut will likely see her starring opposite Ashton Kutcher and Joaquin Phoenix who were also in talks to join the cast of the Disney project.

Set in 1897, "Woods" revolves around a close-knit community that lives with the frightening knowledge that a mythical race of creatures resides in the woods around them.

Howard's only other acting credits include such stage productions as "Tartuffe" and "House/Garden."

Cool! :D

thanks brett for the article! :)

Thanks Brett, it sounds like Bryce is on her way. Good luck to her!

That's Cool! Thanks for posting that.

Originally posted by TheFonz
That's Cool! Thanks for posting that.

Ditto:)

Cool!

Does anyone have any pictures of Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Anson Williams, or Don Most's families? Like wives, children, etc.