source: Hollywood Reporter Smith down to 'Earth' for sci-fi re-do
By Leslie Simmons Jan 15, 2008 Jaden Smith has landed a part in Fox's sci-fi thriller "The Day the Earth Stood Still." Smith will play the rebellious Jacob, the 8-year-old stepson of scientist Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) who first makes contact with the humanoid alien Klaatu (Keanu Reeves). Kathy Bates and Golden Globe winner Jon Hamm also star. Scott Derrickson is directing the contemporary reinvention of the 1951 Fox classic being produced by Erwin Stoff, Gregory Goodman and Paul Boardman. It is filming in Vancouver. David Scarpa penned the screenplay about Klaatu's arrival on Earth that triggers a global upheaval as governments and scientists race to unravel the mystery behind his appearance. Smith's Jacob and stepmother Helen get caught up in Klaatu's mission, coming to understand the ramifications of his being a self-described "friend to the Earth." The 9-year-old is the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. He co-starred in 2006 with his father in "The Pursuit of Happyness," for which he won a Teen Choice Award and an MTV Movie Award. Smith is repped by WMA's Nicole David and Overbrook Management's James Lassiter and Miguel Melendez.
