Lionsgate and CBS Films announced a multi-year distribution partnership this morning, which will begin with the 2015 release of the teen comedy The DUFF. Along with the press release, they have debuted a first look at the cast, which features Disney superstar Bella Thorne and Parenthood favorite Mae Whitman.

The high school comedy The DUFF is based on the bestselling novel by Kody Keplinger and is directed by Ari Sandel from a screenplay by Josh Cagan.  McG, Mary Viola and Susan Cartsonis produced The DUFF with Lane Bishop serving as executive producer.

The film follows Bianca (Mae Whitman), a high school senior whose world is shattered when a charming jock (Robbie Amell) informs her that the student body knows her as The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier, more popular friends (Skyler Samuels and Bianca Santos).

Set for release in early 2015, the film also stars Bella Thorne, Nick Eversman, Ken Jeong and Allison Janney.  The first teaser trailer for The DUFF will appear in theaters on Lionsgate's global blockbuster The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 next week.

The DUFF Photo