Here On Earth

Casting continues on a high profile remake

Michael Fleming and Tatiana Siegel Of Variety:

Jennifer Connelly has signed on and Kathy Bates is negotiating to star in "The Day the Earth Stood Still" for [Fox]. Keanu Reeves has already boarded the sci-fi remake.

Scott Derrickson will direct the pic as his follow-up to "The Exorcism Of Emily Rose."

Ryne Douglas Pearson wrote the screenplay; David Scarpa penned a recent draft.

Story kicks off as aliens land on Earth carrying a message for all humans: Live in peace or be destroyed.

Connelly is set to portray Helen Benson, the role Patricia Neal played in the 1951 original.

Fox has set a December start date in Vancouver.

Erwin Stoff is producing alongside Derrickson's partner Paul Boardman, who also produced "Emily Rose."

Connelly is shooting the ensemble comedy "He's Just Not That Into You" for New Line. She will then segue to "Day the Earth Stood Still."

Connelly makes a good fit on the project...Bates would also be a fine addition as well....Fingers crossed that Derrickson doesn't screw this up.