Kelly Preston ('Jerry McGuire') to Star in the Lifetime Original Movie 'The Tenth Circle,' Based on the New York Times Best-Selling Novel by Jodi Picoult

Ron Eldard ('Blind Justice,' 'House of Sand and Fog') Also Stars

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 4 -- Kelly Preston ("Jerry McGuire," "What a Girl Wants") is set to star in the Lifetime Original Movie "The Tenth Circle," based on the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name by renowned author Jodi Picoult. Ron Eldard ("Blind Justice," "House of Sand and Fog") also stars. "The Tenth Circle" is a powerful account of an American family and a story that probes the unbreakable bond between parent and child. Production begins in January and will premiere in 2008 on Lifetime.

"We are thrilled to have Kelly Preston starring in this project, along with Ron Eldard, in what is an extremely powerful piece about how far parents will go to protect their children," said Tanya Lopez, Senior Vice President, Original Movies. Adding, "We are equally thrilled to be in business again with Jodi Picoult. She is truly a remarkable storyteller. The incredible popularity of her books is a testament to the resonance and power of her writing talent."

In "The Tenth Circle," Laura Stone (Preston) teaches at a local college and is wife to Daniel (Eldard), a comic book artist. Their idyllic lives are turned upside down when their daughter accuses her ex-boyfriend, Jason, of raping her. When Jason later dies in an apparent suicide, the family finds itself in the center of a high profile investigation that rocks their Maine community. Soon Daniel's dark and controversial past is revealed and Laura's personal secrets surface -- revealing just how far parents will go to protect their children.

Kelly Preston has proven her versatility with strong performances in smaller independent films including "From Dusk 'Til Dawn" and "Citizen Ruth" as well as in hit feature films, including her breakout role in "Jerry McGuire" opposite Tom Cruise. Since then, she has appeared alongside Michael Keaton in "Jack Frost," Jim Carrey in "The Cat in the Hat" and received critical notices for her role opposite Kevin Costner in "For the Love of the Game." She appeared in "Battlefield Earth," a film produced by her husband of 16 years, John Travolta, and most recently starred with Kevin Bacon in "Death Sentence."

Ron Eldard, a former Golden Gloves boxer, has found success on stage, television and feature films. He most recently starred in the ABC TV series "Blind Justice." Eldard's feature film work includes Ridley Scott's Oscar(R)-nominated "Black Hawk Down," "House of Sand and Fog" opposite Sir Ben Kingsley and Jennifer Connelly, "Deep Impact" with Morgan Freeman and Robert Duvall and "Mystery" opposite Russell Crowe. Eldard's stage work includes the Broadway production of Neil Simon's "Biloxi Blues" and "On the Waterfront."

Released in 2006, "The Tenth Circle" is Picoult's 13th novel, which has won rave reviews from critics across the country, receiving an "A" from Entertainment Weekly and called "gripping" by People magazine. Picoult's latest novel, Nineteen Minutes, was released earlier this year and immediately became #1 on the New York Times best-seller list. Both The Pact (1998) and Plain Truth (2000) became Lifetime Original Movies and My Sister's Keeper, (2004) is being adapted into a feature film by New Line Cinema, starring Cameron Diaz, Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, with Nick Cassavetes set to direct.

Other books adapted into popular movies by Lifetime include the upcoming adaptation of The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards; four titles from Nora Roberts including "Nora Roberts' Angels Fall" with Heather Locklear and "Nora Roberts' Montana Sky" with John Corbett; Joyce Carol Oates' "We Were the Mulvaneys"; Luanne Rice's "Beach Girls"; and Sue Monk Kidd's "The Mermaid Chair."

"The Tenth Circle" is executive produced by Michael Jaffe and Howard Braunstein of Jaffe/Braunstein Films (Lifetime's "The Memory Keeper's Daughter" and "Write & Wrong"). Scott Goldman and Stephen Furst are also executive producers. Peter Markle ("Cane," "Without A Trace") will direct from a script written by Maria Nation ("Ice Bound," "Salem Witch Trials").

Kelly Preston is represented by CAA and manager Joel Stevens. Ron Eldard is represented by ICM and Management 360.

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetimeTV.com) are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

SOURCE Lifetime
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