Actor Paul Rust has signed on to star in the teen comedy I Love You Beth Cooper. According to Variety, Christopher Columbus has signed on to direct the film, which he will also produce with Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe.

Rust will join a cast that includes Hayden Panttiere, Lauren Storm, Jack Carpenter and Lauren London. I Love You Beth Cooper centers on a geeky high school valedictorian (Rust) who decides he has nothing to lose by making a play for the popular cheerleader (Panettiere). He declares his love for her during his graduation speech.

Filming for I Love You Beth Cooper is scheduled to start next month on location in Vancouver.