Knocked Up actress Katherine Heigl is set to turn a darker film path with romantic drama Life as We Know It.

Heigl became famous with the TV series Grey’s Anatomy, in which her character Izzie Stevens has faced some really dramatic highs and lows. But the actress’s recent film career has seen more light-hearted roles in romantic comedies like 27 Dresses and Knocked Up. But now Katherine Heigl is set to play a more dramatic film role in Life as We Know It.

The story of this romantic drama focuses on two single adults. Their worlds are turned upside down when their mutual best friends die in an accident and name them as caregivers for their orphaned daughter. Although the project originated in 2001, its development is picking up steam now Heigl has decided star in the film. What’s also interesting is that the actress will also produce the film along with her mother Nancy Heigl. Directing duties are in the hands of Greg Berlanti, who’s known for creating TV series like Brothers and Sisters and Everwood.

Life as We Know It will probably be released somewhere in 2010. But fans will not have to wait that long to admire Katherine Heigl on the big screen. Later this summer, she’ll co-star with 300 actor Gerard Butler in the romantic comedy The Ugly Truth.