Elizabeth Banks in Talks to Star Opposite Chris Pine in WELCOME TO PEOPLE

Elizabeth Banks (Role Models) is in negotiations to join Chris Pine in Welcome to People, the directorial debut of screenwriter Alex Kurtzman (Star Trek).  Kurtzman co-wrote the screenplay with long-time collaborator Roberto Orci (Transformers), as well as relative newcomer Jody Lambert. If she signs on, Banks would play the alcoholic female lead in the family drama.  Hit the jump for the synopsis, as well as some of my thoughts.

Here’s the synopsis (per Risky Business):

[Welcome to People] follows a man who must deliver $150,000 in cash to an alcoholic sister he didn’t know he had after the death of their father. Without telling her who he is, the guy also gets involved in the life of her angry 12-year old son.

Admittedly, the premise is a tad… well, Lifetime movie-ish. And Kurtzman, despite his success with such quality properties as Fringe, isn’t immune to a stinker or two. (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, I’m looking at you.)

But ever since this project was first announced, I’ve found myself oddly intrigued. I mean, come on, a serious familial drama… from the guys who wrote Mission: Impossible III? That’s juicy enough all by itself. Throw Chris Pine into the mix, and my ticket just bought itself.

Welcome to People is slated for release in 2012.