Theo James, Dakota Fanning for Franny

Theo James and Dakota Fanning are in talks for independent drama ‘Franny’.

The ‘Divergent’ actor and ‘Twilight’ actress will join Richard Gere in the new film about an older gentleman who wedges himself into the lives of a young couple.

Director Andrew Renzi will helm the film based on a screenplay he wrote himself and Treehouse Pictures will produce the budget drama.

Up-and-coming actor James is set to become one of Hollywood’s most sought after leading men when new teen sci-fi thriller ‘Divergent’ hits cinemas next March. The film, which is expected to rival ‘The Hunger Games’ and launch a franchise, will co-star Shailene Woodley and Kate Winslet.

Former child actress Fanning recently played a supporting role in the ‘Twilight’ films and will next be seen in ‘Effie Gray’ and ‘Every Secret Thing’.

Gere, meanwhile, is coming off an Oscar-nominated turn in thriller ‘Arbitrage’ and will voice the titular character in a movie called ‘Henry & Me’.

‘Franny’ will begin filming in Philadelphia next month.