INDIANAPOLIS -- One of the weekend's most anticipated big-screen debuts will showcase the talents of an Indiana actor.

Ryan Woodle, a Wakarusa native, appears opposite Cameron Diaz, James Marsden and Frank Langella in the moral thriller "The Box," directed by Richard Kelly of "Donnie Darko" fame.

Woodle's character, Jeffry Carnes, befriends struggling suburban couple Norma and Arthur Lewis (Diaz and Marsden) after they receive an ominous gift -- a wooden box with a single button inside. They're told if they push the button, they'll be given $1 million, but that someone, somewhere in the world will die.

Carnes claims he's there to help the couple, but audiences don't learn if he's lying about his motives until the end of the eerie film.

Woodle said he enjoyed working on such a thought-provoking project, and collaborating with Marsden, who he spent several hours on set with.

"There were some pretty pivotal parts of the film I was included in," Woodle told 6News. "James and I talked about it afterwards, and he was just really impressed on how it worked out, and how well we worked together on the screen."

This is Woodle's first role in a major studio film, following years of theater work, commercial jobs and guest spots on shows as varied as "Law & Order," "Important Things with Dimitri Martin" and "As The World Turns."

His first acting experiences came at Northwood High School in Nappanee, where he turned to drama after a sports injury, and later at Ball State University, where he graduated with an acting degree in 2002.

Then it was off to New York City, where he currently calls home. Still, he credits his Hoosier roots and work ethic for the path his career has taken.

"I love New York, I love the city, and there is always something new, but I am a country boy at heart and I will always have that part of me," he said. "I'm always going to be the polite kid who opens doors and smiles. I can't say how many times that directors and film crews have noticed that kind of thing about me."

Woodle will be back in Indiana next weekend to help host an acting workshop for BSU students, where he plans to pass along some sage advice from "Law & Order: SVU" casting director Jonathan Strauss -- just don't quit.

"Everyday people will say to you, 'Do you realize how many millions of actors you are going up against?' What they don’t tell you is how many millions quit everyday," he said. "Acting is like playing the lottery; the more you do it, the better your chances at winning. You have got to be confident, believe in yourself, take every job opportunity you can, give it your best and never give up."

Woodle is currently working on an independent film called "Pizza Tape," and possibly a second season of "Important Things with Dimitri Martin" on Comedy Central.