Summit’s ‘If I Stay’: Dakota Fanning in, Catherine Hardwicke out?

We have previously reported that Summit is producing the film adaptation of the young adult novel If I Stay, and it would be directed by Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke.  Well, it now appears that Hardwicke is no longer attached and that the film will be helmed by Heitor Dhalia.  In addition, Dakota Fanning is in talks to play the lead.
From Variety:

Dakota Fanning is in talks to star in Summit’s supernatural “If I Stay,” with Denise Di Novi producing.Originally set to be directed by Catherine Hardwicke, pic will now be helmed by Brazilian filmmaker Heitor Dhalia. Story revolves around a musician, played by Fanning and her boyfriend, a rising star in the indie rock world. Already faced with a choice between her art and her relationship, she is forced to make a harder choice between life and death after being involved in a fatal car accident.
Shauna Cross has written the adaptation based on Gayle Forman’s young adult novel.
“If I Stay” has been a high priority project for more than a year, with Summit nailing down rights before the book was published in April 2009.
Hardwicke was on board to helm after she directed the first “Twilight” film, but dropped out to direct “Red Riding Hood” for Warner Bros.
Fanning has been a favorite at Summit of late, appearing as Jane in the Twilight trilogy and in Summit’s “Push” with Chris Evans.