Private Practice's Chris Lowell is in talks to join The Help, DreamWorks' adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's novel.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project begins shooting in the summer in Mississippi with Tate Taylor making his feature directorial debut. He also adapted the screenplay.

The Help stars Emma Stone as Skeeter, an aspiring writer in 1960s Mississippi. Uncomfortable with the social norms around her, she sets out to write a book chronicling the way black maids are being treated by society.

Lowell will play Skeeter's boyfriend, Stuart Whitworth, a senator's son who eventually breaks up with her because of the book.