The star of stage and screen is in negotiations for the pivotal role of killer George Harvey. Jackson, who adapted the work, will direct for WingNut Films and Paramount Pictures.

Based on the Alice Sebold book, "The Lovely Bones" follows the story of a young suburban Pennsylvania girl who is raped and killed by her neighbor and watches the effect of the tragic event on the lives of her family from heaven.

Rachel Weisz and Ryan Gosling are slated to play the parents of the teen Susie Salmon, who will be tackled by newcomer Saoirse Ronan. Shooting is slated to start in October in both Pennsylvania and Jackson's native New Zealand.

Tucci appeared on Broadway in the 2002 revival of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. His other stage credits include Brighton Beach Memoirs, Scapin and The Misanthrope. His screen work includes "The Devil Wears Prada," "Big Night," "Lucky Number Slevin," "The Terminal" and "The Hoax" among others.

His upcoming films include "What Just Happened?" and "Blind Date." The actor was also recently cast opposite Nathan Lane, Kelsey Grammar and Kevin Costner in the upcoming "Swing Vote"; opposite Rosie O'Donnell, Jane Krakowski and Abigail Breslin in ""Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery"; and (in voice) with Kristin Chenoweth and Jeff Daniels on "Space Chimps."