When the teaser arrived back in May not much was known about J.J. Abrams’ Super 8. We’re now nearing the end of September and still we don’t know much. Early reports had this film as being inspired by the Super 8 films that Steven Spielberg (who serves as producer) and Abrams used to make as kids. The movie’s overall look and tone could be reminiscent of the early films Spielberg made under his Amblin Entertainment shingle. That would include E.T., Gremlins, The Goonies, and Harry and the Hendersons.
What we can tell you is that the movie is slated to arrive next summer and that it started lensing today. J.J. Abrams wrote it and is directing. And Steven Spielberg is producing. What clues are revealed in the teaser is that a train crashes in 1979, and one of the objects inside escapes. And a group of kids may have just happened to film the creature’s daring escape on Super 8. Or this could all be a ruse perpetuated by Abrams.
Over the weekend, Kyle Chandler (from TV’s Friday Night Lights) and Elle Fanning (Dakota’s younger sibling) were the first two cast members announced. They are the two leads, and I couldn’t be happier. Especially about Kyle Chandler getting some much needed recognition from his work as Coach Taylor.
The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed a few more names: Ron Eldard, Noah Emmerich, Gabriel Basso, Joel Courtney, Zach Mills, as well as newcomers Riley Griffiths and Ryan Lee. Their roles are unknown at this point.
While these names may not scream summer blockbuster, do realize that the film has a modest size budget: $45-$50 million. And Abrams does have a knack for assembling an ensemble. I mean, Karl Urban, who was a thorn in the side of Jason Bourne and Riddick in recent years, as Dr. McCoy in Star Trek proves this much. Plus, he has made stars or brought attention to Jennifer Garner (Alias), Kerri Russell (Felicity) and Josh Holloway (Lost) among others.
