June 28, 2006

Katie Cassidy

Katie Cassidy ("Click," "7th Heaven") has beat out Jessica Simpson for the role of Lucy Ewing in the big screen redo of the '80s soap "Dallas."

US Weekly reports the 20-year-old actress, the daughter of '70s poster boy David Cassidy, was chosen for the role over the pop singer and "Laguna Beach" star Kristin Cavallari.

The "Dallas" cast also includes Jennifer Lopez as Sue Ellen Ewing, and John Travolta as J.R. Ewing.

The movie, directed by Gurinder Chadha ("Bend it Like Beckham"), is expected to start production in October.

Cassidy is currently shooting the thriller "Black Christmas," which is scheduled to be released in November.