Paul Rudd joins in 'Perks of Being a Wallflower'

(AFP PHOTO/Ben Stansall)

In her first major role post- Harry Potter, Emma Watson is joined by Paul Rudd ( Dinner for Schmucks) in the teen tale The Perks of Being a Wallflower, according to IndieWire's The Playlist on April 17.

Adapted by the author of the novella, Stephen Chbosky ( Rent), who will also direct the film, this coming-of-age story tells of a shy high school freshman who learns the ways of the world by his step-siblings.

With the Twilight Saga franchise coming to a close soon, Hollywood film studios are seeking young adult stories to attract a teen audience, such as The Hunger Games starring Jennifer Lawrence ( Winter's Bone).

Logan Lerman ( Percy Jackson, 3:10 to Yuma) will play the lead, while Nina Dobrev ( The Vampire Diaries television series) and Mae Whitman ( Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) are also added to the cast.

Production begins next month through actor John Malkovich's company Mr. Mudd for release in 2012.

RC