The cast of the young adult novel adaptation, Beautiful Creatures, is fast coming together, with the latest news being that Jeremy Irons is in final negotiations to join the cast of the supernatural love story, according to Variety.

A coming of age story set in the South, Beautiful Creatures – which is the first of a hugely popular series written by authors Kami Garcia and Margaret – is about two star-crossed teenage lovers, Ethan, a local boy, and a mysterious new girl, Lena, who uncover dark secrets about their families, their history and their town. Irons is the most recent in a flurry of casting announcements, joining Viola Davis (Amma), Emma Thompson (Mrs. Lincoln/Sarafine), Emmy Rossum (Ridley), Thomas Mann (Link) and relative newcomers Jack O’Connell (Ethan) and Alice Englert (Lena). Irons will play the role of Macon Ravenwood, Lena’s mysterious and recluse uncle.

Richard LaGravenese (P.S. I Love You) will direct from his own screeplay, with shooting schedules to begin next month. The hope is this will be the first part of a major new teen franchise.