On September 6, 2013 it was announced Jennifer Lopez had joined The Boy Next Door, to be produced by Jason Blum and John Jacobs with a budget between $3 to $4 million. Barbara Curry wrote the screenplay. Rob Cohen was set to direct. Later on September 19 Kristin Chenoweth joined the cast to star opposite to Lopez. John Corbett also joined the film on October 14; he will play the role of Jennifer character's ex-husband. Later on October 25 Ryan Guzman also joined cast to lead opposite Lopez; he will play the boy next door. Guzman was cast after Lopez requested for him to attend a table read at her Los Angeles home, where she also read with several actors. Speaking of the choice to cast Guzman, Lopez revealed: "This is not an easy role, to go from the likable boy next door to what he winds up turning into. It’s really challenging, even for the most experienced actor. On November 18 Hill Harper joined the film for a supporting role