Cruise’s adopted son to play younger version of Smith

By Matthew B. Zeidman

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 4/23/08 – First Will Smith got to co-star with his own son in 2006’s “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Media is reporting that the veteran actor will work with Tom Cruise’s adopted son with Nicole Kidman, Connor, on the big-screen drama, “Seven Pounds.”

According to the publication, the 13-year-old adopted son of Cruise and ex-wife Nicole Kidman will portray a younger version of Smith in the project, which is scheduled for a holiday-season release. This is the young thespian’s first professional acting role. In addition to Smith, the picture is set to star Woody Harrelson, Rosario Dawson and Barry Pepper.

Though plot details have been kept under wraps, the movie is rumored to feature Smith as a man who changes the lives of seven strangers. It will be directed by Gabriele Muccino, who worked with Smith on “The Pursuit of Happyness.”

Incidentally, Smith is a close friend of the elder Cruise, having been invited to his highly publicized 2006 wedding to “Dawson’s Creek” alum Katie Holmes. Both invited Hollywood Today Newsmagazine to the premiere of “Lions for Lambs” where they hugged like college football teammates. Coincidentally, both actors share the record with Tom Hanks for producing the most consecutive U.S. blockbusters to take in at least $100 million in gross revenue—seven films in total each. It’s neck and neck like Obama and Clinton. Can the kid make the difference?