Eva Longoria and Eugenio Derbez have been cast to star in "Marcelo in the Real World," a film adaptation of Francisco X. Stork's novel directed by Lucía Puenzo, best known for her Cannes Critics' Week-winning debut "XXY." The project is significant as it tackles the rarely depicted transition young people on the autism spectrum face when moving from special education into mainstream adult life and the workforce, with Puenzo saying the story invites audiences to question conventional ideas of "normal."

The film is produced by Zeta Studios and Elefantec Global, with production due to begin in Uruguay and Boston. The cast also includes Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey, Mathew Borrero and Ema Giménez Zapiola. Elefantec Global founder José "Pepe" Bastón said the project had been six years in development, while Zeta Studios CEO Antonio Asensio praised its universal story and the calibre of its leading talent.