Jay Alaimo, the writer-director of Pretzel, Slingshot, and Chlorine, has received a hefty group of cast members for his upcoming project, Chronicle. According to The Playlist, Justin Long, John Hawkes (Winter’s Bone), and Ryan Phillippe have officially joined the cast, while other big names such as Helena Bonham Carter, Mickey Rourke, and Kate Mara have been circling the project, but have yet to commit. Either way, it looks as if Alaimo‘s status as a director is growing. The report describes Chronicle‘s plot as being “about two childhood friends who reunite to launch the biggest marijuana dealership in New York City.”

Filming dates for the project are unknown at this point, and seeing as how Chlorine is still in post-production, a release before the end of 2011 appears to be highly unlikely. Perhaps if Hawkes loses out on a nomination for Winter’s Bone, Chronicle could be another chance for him to enter the Oscar race.

Are you looking forward to Chronicle?