Jackson, who adapted the work with Philippa Boyens and Fran Walsh, will direct for WingNut Films and Paramount Pictures. Shooting is slated to start in October in both Pennsylvania and the director's native New Zealand. 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.

Imperioli will take on the role of the detective who investigates the girl's death. Tucci plays the pivotal role of killer George Harvey. Rachel Weisz and Ryan Gosling are slated to play the parents of the teen Susie Salmon, who will be tackled by newcomer Saoirse Ronan.

Imperioli — known for his Emmy Award-winning turn on "The Sopranos" — has appeared on film in "Goodfellas," "Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X," "Shark Tale" (in voice), "Clockers," "Dead Presidents," and "Summer of Sam" (which he co-wrote with Victor Colicchio and executive produced). He has also appeared on the stage in Aven' U Boys, Displaced Persons, Half Deserted Street and The Writing On The Wall & Little Blood Brother. He also founded Studio Dante in 2003 with wife Victoria Imperioli.