Hough, Brand to star in Cody's debut

Julianne Hough and Russell Brand will star within the untitled Mandate Pictures pic that Diablo Cody can make her directorial debut. Cody composed the storyline of the protected youthful lady (Hough) who manages to lose her belief following a plane crash and would go to Vegas to see the wild existence. She meets an unlikely companion (Brand), who helps her find her true self. Mason Novick will produce with Mandate Prexy Nathan Kahane will professional produce with Cody. Hough is visible next in Paramount's "Footloose," while Brand just wrapped New Line's "Rock of Age range." Hough is repped by CAA and Brand is repped by WME. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com