Chad Michael Murray is in final negotiations to star in "Stealing Cars" for Warner Bros. Pictures.

Written by Will Aldis and Steve Mackall, the drama centers on a rebellious teenager (Murray) who is guilt-ridden over the accidental death of his father and spirals into delinquency that lands him at the tough and corrupt Arizona Juvenile Institution. There, he clashes with inmates and abusive administrators. With the help of the local sheriff and the resident nurse, he unites his fellow inmates and faces off against the demons at the institution and within himself.

Clifford Werber, who brought the project to Warners, is producing with Rachel Frazin and Maverick's Guy Oseary. Mark Morgan also will take an unspecified producing credit.

Warners senior vp production Jessica Goodman is overseeing along with creative exec Matt Reilly.

Murray, who stars in the WB Network hit "One Tree Hill," also stars in Warners' upcoming Dark Castle production of "House of Wax." He also appeared in Warners' "A Cinderella Story" and the Walt Disney Co.'s "Freaky Friday."

Murray is repped by CAA.