'The Hunger Games' Star Jennifer Lawrence to Star in 'East of Eden'

Jennifer Lawrence has joined the new adaptation to Joh Steinback's "East of Eden."

Lawrence will reteam with her "Hunger Games" director Gary Ross. Additionally, Brian Grazer will produce the movie under his company Imagine Entertainment and Anna Culp will serve as executive producer.

The movie will tell the story of two families over the course of two generations. The adaptation will be the second time the book has been brought to the silver screen. In 1955, Elia Kazan famously directed an acclaimed version starring James Dean. That movie focused on the second half of Steinbeck's book and on the second generation.

Universal Pictures has been attempting to produce the movie for a long time. The company first acquired the rights to the project in 2004, but was unsuccessful as the option lapsed and the producer and studio had to go back to the Steinback estate to regain the rights.

There has been no writer contracted to adapt the novel, but speculation has it that Ross may write the script.

Lawrence is coming off an Oscar win for her turn in "Silver Linigs Playbook." She has also starred in "Like Crazy," "Winter's Bone," "X-Men: First Class" and "The Beaver." The actress will next star in "American Hustle," as well as "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," "Serena" and "X-Men: Days of Future of Past."

Ross is next slated to direct "Peter and the Starcatchers." He has also directed "Pleasantville" and "Seabiscuit."

The film has yet to finish casting, but Universal is slated to announce the rest of the cast in the upcoming months.