We received an e-mail today from Paramount announcing an open casting call for 13-14 year old boys and girls for the lead roles in a new feature film from the studio.  We believe that film is J.J. Abrams' Super 8. "No previous acting experience is necessary, but must have great energy and a wonderful sense of humor and thoughtfulness."  When you read the descriptions of the characters as well, you'll see the fingerprints of Steven Spielberg—who's a producer on the film—all over it.  Young actors with "great sense of humor"? Check.  Protagonist from a broken home? Check.  We also know that Abrams' script is "a tip of the hat to [Spielberg's] movies of the 70’s and early 80’s” like Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and E.T."

Hit the jump for the press release and more on why we think this is casting call is for Super 8.

Admittedly, all the sides for all three characters feature the same dialogue, so this may not even be a scene in the film.  But when you combine the tone they're looking for with the actors they're trying to cast and that they're casting non-name actors (like with the Abrams-produced Cloverfield) and it looks like they're casting for Super 8 without saying it's Super 8.  Compare that with Paramount's other press release today which flat-out says they're casting for Footloose.

Here's the full press release:

Seeking 13-14 year old Boys & Girls for the lead roles in a new Paramount feature film. No previous acting experience is necessary, but must have great energy and a wonderful sense of humor and thoughtfulness.

Seeking 13-14 year old Boys & Girls for the lead roles in a new Paramount feature film. No previous acting experience is necessary, but must have great energy and a wonderful sense of humor and thoughtfulness.

JOSH: Male 13-14.  Josh is cute, but could be on the scrawny side – definitely not the school jock.  Loveable, empathetic, smart and interesting.  Must have a great sense of humor.  Should have a Midwestern feel.

COLLIN: Male 13-14.  Slightly, or more than slightly, overweight.  Collin is confident, driven, optimistic and a natural leader.  Must have a great sense of humor. Should have a Midwestern feel.

NATALIE: Female 13-14.   A natural beauty – she is stunning, but not the “cheerleader” type.  Strong and confident, but has an underlying sadness. Should have a Midwestern feel.

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Thank you for your interest and participation and we hope you have fun preparing your audition. Break a Leg!