The Pursuit of Happyness filmmaker Gabriele Muccino is in talks to direct Adaline for Summit Entertainment.

The drama has seen its fair share of departures, with Katherine Heigl leaving the project in November. Andy Tennant had previously been attached to direct, although it seems he has stepped away from Adaline as well.

The story centers on a woman who was born at the start of the 20th Century and, through an unforeseen accident, she becomes immortal. After decades of her lonely existence, she finally meets a man who she would risk becoming mortal for.

If Gabriele Muccino signs on, he will direct from a script by J. Mills Goodloe, Sal Paskowitz, and Allison Burnett. Gary Lucchesi and Tom Rosenberg will produce for Lakeshore Entertainment, along with Sidney Kimmel, Steve Golin and Alix Madigan.

The producers are hoping to start principal photography by January 2012.