Keke Palmer will soon co-star in Virgin Mary, an independent film described as a coming-of-age story in the tradition of Sixteen Candles.

The plot centers on a 15-year-old (Abigail Breslin) who vows to have sex with her best male friend if they’re still virgins by the time they turn 18. The True Jackson, VP star will play the best friend of Breslin’s character.

Mary is directed by Beth Schacter, and also features actors Carter Jenkins (Valentine’s Day) and Daryl Sabara (Spy Kids).

Keke Palmer has spent the last few years focusing on her career as a recording artist, with Interscope Records set to release her sophomore album. Her current film projects include voicing the character Peaches in next summer’s Ice Age: Continental Drift, and co-starring alongside Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton in Joyful Noise, due in January 2012.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Palmer featured in anything that didn’t have a bubblegum, Hollywood bent, so it will be interesting to note how she fares in Mary, and whether she’ll continue to diversify her roles in the future.

[Variety]