The Lovely Bones trivia

--> The school that Susie attends is based on General Wayne Middle School in Malvern, Pennsylvania (now known as General Wayne Elementary School), which Alice Sebold attended in the 1970s.

--> Helen Hunt was reportedly considered for the role of Abigail Salmon. Instead, Rachel Weisz accepted the role, and was the first actor cast in the film.

--> Mark Wahlberg replaced Ryan Gosling just days before shooting began. In preparation for the role, Gosling had gained 20 pounds and grew out a beard. However, he vacated the role due to creative differences. Wahlberg, who had just completed shooting The Happening (2008), another production in Pennsylvania, became available just in time to accept Gosling's role.

--> Despite being a last-minute replacement, Mark Wahlberg was always one of Peter Jackson's first choices for the leading role.

--> Saoirse Ronan landed the role of Susie Salmon based on an audition tape she had sent in. They were so impressed by the tape that no meetings or further auditions were necessary before offering her the lead role in the film.

--> Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz were the first actors who got an offer to appear in the film, which would have supposed their second collaboration together (after The Fountain (2006)). However, while Weisz accepted her part, Jackman had to turn it down. 'Ryan Gosling' was cast instead, although he would drop out as well, three days before the shooting started. Eventually, 'Mark Wahlberg' got the part.

--> Cameo: [Peter Jackson] man with movie camera in pharmacy when Jack Salmon picks up the prints from the first roll of Susie's film.