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Jaden Smith Joins The Day the Earth Stood Still Cast
January 15, 2008
Source: Hollywood Reporter
by Alex Billington
One of the most interesting casting announcements has just hit and it's making the rounds as big news, something which only the Smith family could pull off. 9-year-old Jaden Christopher Syre Smith, son of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, has been cast in The Day the Earth Stood Still as 8-year-old Jacob. He joins alongside of Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, who plays his mother Helen Benson, Kathy Bates and Jon Hamm. Is this still the most hated Hollywood remake or has it finally gained some credibility casting lil' Jaden?
The Day the Earth Stood Still is a "contemporary reinvention", as it's now being officially referred to, of the 1951 classic sci-fi thriller, and is being directed by Scott Derrickson (of The Exorcism of Emily Rose). Jaden, who you may remember from The Pursuit of Happyness, will play the rebellious Jacob, the stepson of scientist Helen Benson (played Jennifer Connelly) who first makes contact with the humanoid alien Klaatu (played by Keanu Reeves). 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."
Back when the news of this remake first broke, the reaction was tremendously negative. I don't think anyone thought it was a good idea. However, as this has been developing, things have honestly started to sound a bit better. Keanu Reeves, well, let's not talk about him. But Jennifer Connelly and now Jaden Smith, both of them are great casting choices. Am I wrong? Unless the trailer looks terrible, I'm still fully interested in this.
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Reader Feedback - 29 Comments »
1
I have never heard of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" up until this point, either as the original or the remake (is that bad?), but the casting alone makes me take notice. I want a trailer.
Keith on Jan 15, 2008
2
It's starting to sound more credible to me. Hopefully it doesn't suck and ruin jayden's young acting career.
and come on, keanu reeves? playing an ALIEN is probably his most natural axcting role of his career, other than maybe his character in Bill and Ted's excellent adventure.
Avelanch on Jan 15, 2008
3
Bad Idea all round - if ever a film didnt need remade this is it!! I would quite happily pay to see the original in a cinema now.
David Graham on Jan 15, 2008
5
I'm sorry, maybe I'm missing something. How does adding Jayden Smith lend credibility?
I'm not being sarcastic, I genuinely don't know.
Jennifer Connelly, hell yes! I love her in anything she's in (or not in, if you catch my drift *eyebrows waggling*)
Nathan on Jan 15, 2008
6
Nathan: He makes it credible because he is an amazing actor (pursiut of Happyness come to mind?). Name me a better actor who is 7-9 years old who would play the part better. what? you can't? I thought so.
Avelanch on Jan 15, 2008
7
Avelanch, maybe I wasn't clear. I was genuinely unsure of why he is a plus to the movie. I have never seen "The Pursuit of Happyness," so I cannot call upon any past performances of his. Now that I know, I think I'll definately have to check it out before I render a final judgement.
Nathan on Jan 15, 2008
8
Nathan: Yeah, you should definatly check out PoH, its a great movie. It was Jayden's first movie and he did an amazingly great job at it. I don't think there would be many people who would not recommend that movie.
Avelanch on Jan 15, 2008
9
You're dissing a movie star who's been A-list for over 15 years. Wow the nerve! Jaden is adorable and capable but he doesn't lend "credibility" to this film. This is Keanu's 50th film; he lent it credibility from the start. People's fascination with Neo saved Warner Bros from bankruptcy, and there's no need to mention Speed, Point Break, My Own Private Idaho, River's Edge and a dozen other classic movies he starred in. Jennifer Connelley is an Oscar winning actress. Kathy Bates. You need a brain transplant my friend.
Josh on Jan 15, 2008
10
Josh, you failed to mention Youngblood
Avelanch on Jan 15, 2008
11
What about Youngblood? It was his first job in a film I think. Should I mention The Girt, for which he received Oscar buzz? Look you're obviously prejudiced when it comes to Keanu. Did you know his IQ is 160? He's got a fuzzillion fans. I have found that his fans tend to be a lot smarter than his detractors. Just an observation.
Josh on Jan 15, 2008
12
Wow Josh. Thank You. I have been reading alot of negative about Keanu and this movie. I watched
some of the original on youtube and frankly it was a bit bland. Keanu could run rings around the guy
who played Klaatu (spelling??). And I read somewhere the woman who played the lead said that it was a silly movie. So there ya go. I can not wait to see this movie. I watch movies at face value with no expectations. Remakes??? Who cares. Bring it on.!!
truthfinder on Jan 15, 2008
13
Michael Rennie, the 1951 Klaatu, was a very fine and prolific actor.
@truthfinder: Obviously you're a Keanu fanboy/girl (whoa), but comparing Michael Rennie and Keanu Reeves is a bit ridiculous.
It's disappointing that a YouTube clip of a classic movie is enough to convince today's movie critics of its worth.
avoidz on Jan 15, 2008
14
Now now, Keanu fans. I think you'll find that nowhere on this forum has anyone made the claim that Keanu is not an intelligent, successful human being. He just can't play one to save his life.
Nathan on Jan 16, 2008
15
Josh, I am not saying Keanu was not a smart person, nor did I say he doesn't have any fans. as a fellow Canadian I'm glad he does well. I'm just saying he Isn't the best actor out there. He's been in some great movies, but he never really MADE a movie great by himself. He is definately competant.
and I liked youngblood, it was the 2nd best hockey movie ever made (kinda sad, i know)
Avelanch on Jan 16, 2008
16
Avoidz,
It is disappointing that just casting a movie is enough to convince todays movie "critics" that it is going to suck. You would think smart people would wait and see the movie then make up their own minds instead of on what they think it is going to be like because so and so is in it. Judgemental don't you think????
truthfinder on Jan 16, 2008
17
Shame on Will and Jada for obliterating Jaden's childhood, what do they want their child to be the next Mike Jackson?!
Slim on Jan 16, 2008
18
yes, how dare they let the kid do something he likes and something his father does. the nerve of them.
/sarcasim
Avelanch on Jan 17, 2008
19
Jaden cannot act, yet. Tsk, dag. I wish it was someone else's child playing bobby. Like it Bobby could have been a little girl, even.
RH on Jan 23, 2008
20
Why can't they just say he is Connelly's son? Is that such a stretch? Why do they have to qualify it by calling him her step son? Are they afraid to acknowledge the reality of the many biracial families in the US and elsewhere?
Chickens.
Actually I love the idea of a biracial family in these leading roles. Jaden's a lucky kid with Jennifer as his mom. I'm sure his dad feels lucky, too, if only vicariously.
Harry on Jan 23, 2008
21
My son is playing a part in this new movie. Jaden is a great kid with alot of talent for his age. Keanu is a very down to earth kind of guy. Jennifer is another down to earth person. I have seen the original and I find it to be a bit slow. Many members of the crew on the new set found it to be very slow as well. I will not pass judgement on this movie until I see it.
Harleygirl on Mar 23, 2008
22
This movie promises to be completely forgettable just like Tom Cruise's abomination of War of the Worlds or that Time Machine fiasco. Thank the maker that we will still have the original to enjoy. Are there no writers with good ideas anymore? Why do we need to remake the past. What's next, a re-do of Forbidden Planet?
Imray Klaatu Naruwat on Mar 27, 2008
23
Forbidden Planet was a remake of the story by Shakespear called "The Tempest". I guess there is no such thing as an original.
RSH on Mar 28, 2008
24
OK!! u guess thats talking SHIT about my guy Jayden needs to be checked. this artical is not about Keanu or Jennifer, the artical clearly states "Jaden Smith Joins The Day The Earth Stood Still" and yeah Keanu and Jen does bring dollar signs, but Jaden is a child star and a good one at that he's an up coming celebirty who in 10 years will be a STAR so before u judge see his work his talent cause obviously you guys don't no shit about Acting! or jaden Smith. so if you guys cant say anything POSITIVE about the article the don't bother saying anything at all.
yours truely,
Corey
corey on Jun 3, 2008
25
@Corey: Obviously you got an F in spelling and grammar at school…
avoidz on Jun 4, 2008
26
I dont know why so many are against remakes, take them in the contents that they are, a new outlook on an old theme. How many remakes were done on the Titanic, King Kong, Batman, Shakespears plays, WW 1 & 2 topics even WW3, cowboys and indians, everything is a remake from something. Each remake that I have watched even when they use the original script has its own merits.
Iam 47 and my mum is 77 and we both love watching and disscussing all the pros and cons of remakes. We love to discribe the differences between the old and the new. It makes going to the pictures fun again just like it was when we we kids. Going to the movies is supposed to be fun time out with family or friends. The way most of you people talk I dont think your really like to have fun anymore.
You are even nasty to other peoples comments, who care if someone can spell or not, try to listen to what they have to say. Remember everyone is different in there own way, life would be very dull if we were all the same. I for one am glad I am different to you, I glad that my thoughts are different, I glad I see things different from you, for it makes my life fun.
Sit back and enjoy the movie for what it is - entertainment for all.
Louise on Aug 4, 2008
27
I am glad there is an interest in people wanting to make remakes. Otherwise, the originals would probably die from lack of being watched, if only by the people who will always remember them, that came from a certain era. Maybe this new interest in remakes will send lots of people to the originals. Isn't that the overall intention, besides hoping to make lots of money off the remake?
RSH on Aug 4, 2008
28
The person who wrote this Review does not know good movies. the day the Earth stood still was one of the best sci fi movies of all time….it held that spot for well over 20 years. And Keanu reeves out does any other star in this movie. As far as Jennifer Connelly…I'm sure I am with everyone else when i say ummm who??? lol.
For Jayden smith…..his daddy gets him jobs in acting….wow hahaha
Jayden has never even done a sci fi movie…..really does not fit into the Sci fi role either.
now keanu Reeves…..the top grossing sci fi films of all times have stared Keanu Reeves…..he blows all these other actors in this movie away 5000 percent.
Keanu Reeves is the only reason people are planning on going to see this movie.
Joseph on Sep 7, 2008
29
the kid alone is a reason for humanity to be whiped off the surface of the earth *argh*
Could have been a nice scifi movie, starts quite promising.. it didn't work 
..now I have to watch the 1951 movie again to get me back into a good mood, thanks a lot -.-*
J. Taylor on May 10, 2009