Hough, Brand to star in Cody's debut

Julianne Hough and Russell Brand will star in the untitled Mandate Pictures pic for which Diablo Cody will make her directorial debut. Cody penned the story of a sheltered young woman (Hough) who loses her faith after a plane crash and goes to Las Vegas to experience the wild life. She meets an unlikely companion (Brand), who helps her find her true self. Mason Novick will produce with Mandate Prexy Nathan Kahane will exec produce with Cody. Hough can be seen next in Paramount's "Footloose," while Brand just wrapped New Line's "Rock of Ages." Hough is repped by CAA and Brand is repped by WME. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Watch The Hangover 2 Free