The long-languishing adaptation Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is finally moving forward at Cross Creek Pictures, with shooting to begin this September. Joining the cast are Lily James, Sam Riley and Bella Heathcote.

Originally set to be released by Lionsgate, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies has been trying to make it to the big screen ever since it was published in 2009 by author Seth Grahame-Smith. The movie went through a number of different directors, and for a time looked like it was dead. Now director Burr Steers, best known for 17 Again and Igby Goes Down, is confirmed to helm, working from a script he co-wrote with Academy Award nominated director David O. Russell (American Hustle; Silver Linings Playbook).

The story takes Jane Austen's 1813 classic no_movie|Pride and Prejudice and mixes in a zombie apocalypse complete with an army of the undead. David O. Russell's strong screenplay is one of the things that has kept the project alive as it bounced around Hollywood. He was originally going to direct the movie back in 2010, but dropped out. Mike White, best known for writing School of Rock, was going to take over, but quickly had to exit over a scheduling conflict. Million Dollar Arm director Craig Gillespie was next in line to take on the project, coming onboard in 2011. He left six months later after he could not agree with the studio on the cast. Emma Stone was up for the lead, but passed on the project.

Natalie Portman is still on Pride and Prejudice and Zombies as a producer. At one point, she was going to star in the movie herself. She later decided against that. Lily Collins was also considering the lead role, but never committed to taking on the part.

Now, Lily James will play Elizabeth Bennett, with Sam Riley taking on the role of Mr. Darcy and Bella Heathcote playing Elizabeth's sister. Jack Huston is currently in talks for another main role.

At this time, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies does not have a set release date.