Jaden Smith Joins The Day The Earth Stood Still Remake

Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly, stars of the upcoming “The Day the Earth Stood Still” remake, is getting a precocious 8-year old — Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith, last seen pandering for Oscar votes in the elder Smith’s “The Pursuit of Happyness”.

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).

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.”

Scott Derrickson (”The Exorcism of Emily Rose”) is directing, with filming already begun in Vancouver.