Alex Pettyfer Joins The Butler

Magic Mike star Alex Pettyfer has joined the cast of The Butler for director Lee Daniels (Precious).

The story centers on Eugene Allen (Forest Whitaker), who served as the White House butler for over 35 years. He first started working at the Presidential residence underHarry S. Truman in 1952, and retired during Ronald Reagan’s second term in 1986.

Alex Pettyfer will play Thomas Westphall, a character from Eugene Allen’s early life who had a significant influence on the butler. Other cast members include Oprah Winfrey,David Oyelowo, Jane Fonda, Alan Rickman, Minka Kelly,Cuba Gooding Jr., and Terrence Howard.

Lee Daniels is directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Danny Strong. Production is scheduled to begin next month in New Orleans.

The Butler is in development and stars Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Liam Neeson, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Alan Rickman, Minka Kelly. The film is directed by Lee Daniels.