And the first of last week’s casting shortlists is complete! EW has exclusively learned that Max Irons has been cast in the role of Jared, in Andrew Niccol’s adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s novel “The Host.”

The story centers around a post-apocalyptic world in which aliens called Souls have body-snatched and are occupying the majority of the human population. Back in May, we announced that young actress Saoirse Ronan was to play protagonist Melanie Stryder, whose body is taken over by a Soul named Wanderer. However, Melanie’s strong will to survive have the two consciousnesses fighting for domination and eventually becoming allies as they set out to find Jared, the man Melanie loves, and their small colony of human resistance. When they get there, Melanie meets Ian (to be played by Jake Abel), who forms a connection with Wanderer, and a love quadrangle in three bodies gets underway.

Irons had a starring role alongside Amanda Seyfried in this year’s adaptation of the fairytale “Red Riding Hood”, but has failed to win big roles since, only signing on to the biopic of 17th century composer Vivaldia back in May.

Filming on “The Host” is to begin in February next year in New Mexico and Louisiana, and has an anticipated release date of March 29, 2013.