Will Smith's son down to "Earth" for sci-fi redo

By Leslie Simmons

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Will Smith's 9-year-old son has landed a part in Fox's remake of the sci-fi thriller "The Day the Earth Stood Still."

Jaden Smith will play Jacob, the rebellious 8-year-old stepson of scientist Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) who first makes contact with the humanoid alien Klaatu (Keanu Reeves). Kathy Bates and newly anointed Golden Globe winner Jon Hamm ("Mad Men") also star.

Klaatu's arrival on Earth triggers a global upheaval as governments and scientists race to unravel the mystery behind his appearance. Jacob and Helen get caught up in Klaatu's mission, coming to understand the ramifications of his being a self-described "friend to the Earth."

Scott Derrickson directs the contemporary reinvention of the original 1951 movie. It is filming in Vancouver.

Jaden Smith 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.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter