The actress best known as the object of Michael Cera’s affection in the movie adaptation of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is on board Kill the Messenger, a Jeremy Renner vehicle based on the true story of Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Gary Webb. Mary Elizabeth Winstead will appear as Dawn Garcia, Webb’s editor at the San Jose Mercury News.

In 1996, Webb published a series of articles alleging that in the ’80s the CIA had funded Contra rebels in Nicaragua under the table by facilitating their trade of cocaine to the U.S., potentially fueling the crack epidemics in Los Angeles and other cities. Webb’s articles were immensely controversial, and his own paper eventually disassociated itself with Webb. Webb published the articles as a book in 1999, but continued to suffer media backlash. In 2004, Webb was found dead from what was ruled a suicide. Although some controversy continues to surround Webb’s work, the prevailing consensus is that he was generally correct in his allegations.

Journalist Gary Webb, to be portrayed by Jeremy Renner in ‘Kill the Messenger’

Reports are that the plotline will largely center on the public backlash against Webb (played by Renner) up to his suicide rather than his initial investigation.

Winstead, who most recently appeared in A Good Day to Die Hard, adds Kill the Messenger to a leading role in the as-yet untitled film by actor Chris Messina (Argo, Ruby Sparks) in his directorial debut and Faults, another indie project where she figures to hold down a starring position.

Kill the Messenger is being directed by Michael Cuesta (Executive Producer and Director on Homeland). Barry Pepper (The Lone Ranger, Saving Private Ryan) and Rosmarie DeWitt (Cinderella Man, The Watch) also star.