Sela Ward has signed on to star opposite Kevin Costner in "The Guardian" for Touchstone Pictures, Beacon Pictures and A School Prods.

The film reteams Ward with helmer Andy Davis, who directed her in "The Fugitive." In "Guardian," she will play the wife of Costner's character who is grappling with their troubled marriage. Ashton Kutcher already has joined the cast of the action drama.

The story revolves around the relationship between a rebellious Coast Guard enlistee (Kutcher) and a legendary rescue swimmer (Costner).

Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson are producing, while Peter MacGregor-Scott is executive producing. Ron Brinkerhoff penned the screenplay. Buena Vista Pictures will distribute domestically.

Touchstone's Jason Reed is overseeing for the studio.

The film begins shooting next month in Shreveport, La.

The Emmy-winning actress, whose credits include the TV series "Once and Again" and the apocalyptic film "The Day After Tomorrow," stars on the TV series "House."

She is repped by Endeavor, Management 360 and Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca.