Actor Paul Rust has signed on to star in the teen comedy I Love You Beth Cooper. According to Variety, Christopher Columbus has signed on to direct the film, which he will also produce with Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe.

Rust will join a cast that includes Hayden Panttiere, Lauren Storm, Jack Carpenter and Lauren London. I Love You Beth Cooper centers on a geeky high school valedictorian (Rust) who decides he has nothing to lose by making a play for the popular cheerleader (Panettiere). He declares his love for her during his graduation speech.

Filming for I Love You Beth Cooper is scheduled to start next month on location in Vancouver.

I Love You, Beth Cooper was released July 10th, 2009 and stars Hayden Panettiere, Paul Rust, Jack Carpenter, Lauren London, Lauren Storm, Shawn Roberts, Jared Keeso, Brendan Penny. The film is directed by Chris Columbus.