First-time director Danny Mooney has lined up actors Liam Hemsworth, Teresa Palmer, Aimee Teegarden, and Austin Stowell to star in AWOL. All of the actors are currently in negotiations for the indie drama, which is set in the Vietnam War era.

The story centers on Austin Stowell's character, a soldier in Vietnam who is dumped by his girlfriend (Aimee Teegarden) while serving overseas. He decides to go AWOL along with his best friend (Liam Hemsworth) to make it back to America and try to win back her heart. It isn't known what role Teresa Palmer will play. Chris Lowell and Max Adler are also in talks to star in unknown roles.

AWOL, which is based on a true story, is also set during the anti-war demonstrations at the University of Michigan. The filmmakers are eyeing a mid-July production start date, with filming to take place in Ann Arbor, Michigan.