Blake Lively is the latest actress to be offered the lead role of Elizabeth Bennet in the upcoming film adaptation of romance-zombpoacalypse novel ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,’ Screenrant is reporting. The ‘Gossip Girl’ star was offered the role after the film’s producer, Natalie Portman, passed on appearing in the movie.

Other actresses who were considered for the role of Elizabeth were Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, Mila Kunis, Mia Wasikowska and Rooney Mara. After the actresses turned down the role, Lively met with the film’s director, Craig Gillespie, about appearing as Elizabeth.

Gillespie’s inability to secure a lead actress for ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’ has delayed the start of production on the film. The director wanted to begin principal photography this past summer. The helmer has reportedly had issues securing an actress because of the film’s nature and plotline.

Written by: Karen Benardello