The pair boost a cast that includes previously announced Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob Thornton and Jacki Weaver on Exclusive Media and Playtone’s upcoming drama. Financier Exclusive Media holds worldwide rights.

Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman and Exclusive Media are producing the project based on Vincent Bugliosi’s book Reclaiming History: The Assassination Of President John F Kennedy.

Peter Landesman adapted the screenplay and will make his feature directorial debut on Parkland, which recounts the true story of the chaotic events at Parkland Hospital in Dallas in the wake of the JFK assassination on Nov 22 1963.

Production is set for Austin, Texas, in time for a US release around the 50th anniversary of the assassination.

“Zac Efron continues to impress us with his recent shift into more dramatic roles, which showcase his exceptional acting skills and Marcia Gay Harden is an unparalleled actress who gives tour de force performances in every film she appears,” said Exclusive Media co-chairmen Nigel Sinclair and Guy East.

“We look forward to seeing their combined talent in Peter Landesman’s powerful and mesmerising story alongside the excellent cast already attached to this film.”

Exclusive Media’s head of US production Matt Jackson will oversee production on behalf of the company.

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