Jennifer Lopez Joins Low-Budget Thriller ‘The Boy Next Door’

Jennifer Lopez has reportedly signed on to star in the upcoming flick The Boy Next Door.

Although the singer is preparing for her stint on FOX’s long-running singing competition American Idol, she apparently still has plenty of time to do some acting. The Catwoman star has reportedly signed on for the lead role in the low-budget thriller.

According to reports, Jennifer Lopez will star as a mother who soon finds herself at odds with her son’s best friend. Although things start pretty harmless at first, their relationship takes a decidedly dangerous twist when she begins a romantic relationship with the young man.

Filmmaker Rob Cohen, the man responsible for helming The Fast and the Furious and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, is in talks to handle directing duties on The Boy Next Door. Worst Previews is reporting that production is expected to begin on the thriller this fall.

The Boy Next Door is the latest cinematic endeavor from Insidious and Paranormal Activity producer Jason Blum. The guy seems to have a knack for putting together successful modestly-budgeted thrillers, so it’s not altogether surprising that Jennifer Lopez is signing on for the project.

In addition to Rob Cohen’s upcoming effort, Lopez has signed on for another season of American Idol. The singer and actress reportedly landed a hefty $17.5 million paycheck for her involvement. Not surprisingly, she’s pretty excited about returning to the television show.

“I love this show and I’m glad to be back. Last year I went off and toured the whole world for the first time. It wasn’t the easiest thing to fit in this season of Idol, but I do love it so much… I did miss it,” she said during a recent press conference in Boston.

Jennifer Lopez’s The Boy Next Door will likely hit theaters at some point next year. Are you looking forward to the singer’s upcoming thriller?

[Image via Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com]