New actor Alex O'Loughlin romances J. Lo in "The Back-Up Plan"

CEBU, Philippines - Actor-on-the-rise Alex O’Loughlin  (“The Invisible,” “Whiteout”) has to struggle with instant parenthood when he falls in love with Jennifer Lopez’s character in Columbia Pictures’ new romantic comedy “The Back-Up Plan.”

After years of dating, Zoe (Lopez) has decided waiting for the right one is taking too long. Determined to become a mother, she commits to a plan, makes an appointment and decides to go it alone. But on the day of her artificial insemination, Zoe meets Stan (O’Loughlin) – a man with real possibilities. The arrival of Stan in Zoe’s life begins her romantic journey in love, in life, and in labor. He throws her plan off course in a way that has wildly comedic repercussions both due to circumstance as well as their contrasting personalities.

When it came time to casting Stan, the filmmakers set out to find a fresh face - someone sexy, funny, strong, yet also vulnerable. It was going to be a challenge to find someone who had the whole package but when they met Aussie actor Alex O’Loughlin, they knew they had found their Stan.

“The minute we had him read with Jennifer, you could just feel it in the room – their chemistry was undeniable,” says producer Todd Black. “Alex also came in very prepared. He understood where the comedy was and he wasn’t afraid to take it as far as it could go.   It’s so thrilling as a producer to discover someone new. I’m proud and excited. I can’t wait to watch where his career goes; I think he’s going to be a major movie star.”

O’Loughlin cherished his first turn as a feature leading man. “The cast and crew were amazing and the material is really good. Plus, starring opposite Jennifer was awesome. I had a ball.”

The actor previously joined the team of the FX hit drama series “The Shield” for most of Season 6, where he played the new potential leader of Vic Mackey’s strike team, ‘Kevin Hyatt.’

Following this, he starred in the feature films “The Invisible” with Marcia Gay Harden and Justin Chatwin, directed by David Goyer, and “August Rush,” alongside Robin Williams, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard, Keri Russell and Freddie Highmore, directed by Kirsten Sheridan.

O’Loughlin then took the lead in the CBS/Warner Bros. television show “Moonlight” in which he played the role of ‘Mick St. John.’ Not only did he instantly attract a dedicated and deeply passionate fan base, he proudly accepted The People’s Choice Award for Best New Drama. O’Loughlin recently starred opposite Kate Beckinsale in Joel Silver’s “Whiteout” and in CBS’ weekly medical series “Three Rivers.”

The actor is actively involved in the charity Donate Life. Donate Life’s mission is to educate the public on the importance of organ donation.

Opening soon across the Philippines, “The Back-Up Plan” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.sonypictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.