Blake Lively has been cast in 'The Age of Adalin'.

The 'Gossip Girl' actress will star opposite Ellen Burstyn in the romantic drama helmed by Lee Toland Krieger, taking over the lead role from Katherine Heigl.

The long-stalled movie - which was first planned in 2010 - recounts the life of the 29-year old titular character (Lively), who stops aging after recovering from a near-fatal accident.

After years of leading a solitary life and travelling across the globe, she meets a man for whom it might be worth losing her immortality.

The supernatural romance tale is a co-production between Sidney Kimmel Entertainment and Lakeshore Entertainment with Sidney Kimmel, Tom Rosenberg and Gary Lucchesi attached as producers, Deadline is reporting.

Rosenberg, Lakeshore's CEO, said of Lively and Burstyn: ''They're extraordinarily talented and perfect for telling the beautiful and timeless tale of 'The Age Of Adaline'.''

Lakeshore president Lucchesi added: ''Lee Toland Krieger is one of the most stylish young filmmakers. working in Hollywood today. He is visually imaginative and possesses a strong narrative sense.''

The script was written by Mills Goodloe and Salvador Paskowitz, with revisions by Allison Burnett.

Katherine Heigl was attached to topline in 2010 with Andy Tenant directing, while Gabriele Muccino was named as director in 2011.

Lively last starred in 'Savages' while Burstyn can next be seen in 'Draft Day' and 'Interstellar'.