GLEE’s Matthew Morrison To Star In Lionsgate’s WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING

July 15, 2011 – Lionsgate and the producers of the film adaptation of the worldwide bestselling book WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING are thrilled to announce that Matthew Morrison (“Glee”) will be starring opposite Cameron Diaz in the film, which is expected to begin shooting mid-Summer 2011, and will be released on May 11, 2012. It was previously announced that Jennifer Lopez, Brooklyn Decker, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Chace Crawford and Rob Huebel will also be starring in the project.

Morrison’s character Evan is teamed up with Diaz’s Jules on a popular celebrity dance show. All their heat on and off the dance floor soon sparks a bun in the oven that will force them to synch their bi-coastal lives and re-asses what matters in life – all while in the national spotlight.

Kirk Jones (WAKING NED DEVINE, NANNY MCPHEE) is directing the film, which was acquired from a script by Heather Hach and re-written by Shauna Cross (WHIP IT). The film is based on the book by Heidi Murkoff that has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 500 weeks. Lionsgate has worldwide rights to the film.

Morrison (twitter: @Matt_Morrison) is currently on a summer tour to promote his self titled debut album which includes duets with Sir Elton John, Sting and Gwyneth Paltrow. He has received an Emmy nomination and two Golden Globe nominations for his role in the Fox hit, “Glee,” returning for a third season this fall. He was also nominated for a Tony Award for his role in “Light in the Piazza.” Morrison is represented by manager Eric Podwall and CAA.

Robert Melnik, EVP Business & Legal Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of Lionsgate. Alli Shearmur, President of Motion Picture Production and Development, and Jim Miller, SVP Motion Picture Production and Development are overseeing the production for Lionsgate.

Mike Medavoy, Arnie Messer and David Thwaites are producing, with Doug McKay co-producing, through their Phoenix Pictures. Heidi and Erik Murkoff will executive produce along with their literary manager Alan Nevins of Renaissance Literary & Talent.

About the film

Based on the 16 million copy best-selling book, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is an ensemble romantic-comedy is in the vein of LOVE ACTUALLY and VALENTINE’S DAY. The film is a modern look at love through the eyes of four interconnected couples experiencing the thrills and surprises of having a baby, and ultimately coming to understand the universal truth that no matter what you plan for, life doesn’t always deliver what’s expected.