ET Online reports that DreamWorks Studios is holding an open audition call for a young male actor for a lead role in upcoming film ‘Real Steel,’ starring Hugh Jackman. The role to be filled is Max, a “street-smart, tough, charming kid with a hard, untrusting outer shell which hides a warm enthusiastic spirit…a complicated, strong-willed and resourceful boy.” DreamWorks is looking for a 10-14 year old male actor for the part.

In the action film, Jackman plays an ex-fighter who becomes a promoter when human boxing is outlawed for being too violent. In their place are 2000-pound fighting robots with human qualities. Unable to adequately compete in Robot Boxing, the character instead focuses on a discarded robot that always seems to win. Meanwhile, he also learns that he is the father of a 13-year old son, and they bond as the robot fights its way toward the top (this is Hollywood, of course).

For additional information on the open call, including steps to submit an audition online, visit http://www.realsteelcasting.com/. (more…)

Production Weekly reports via its twitter feed that Shawn Levy’s Real Steel starring Hugh Jackman will commence filming this coming June in Michigan. This “action-drama” will see Jackman playing a washed-up pugilist who trains robot boxers. It’s being produced by Steven Spielberg and is currently scheduled for release on November 18, 2011. The project was first announced back in September and, with this news, we can now officially confirm that it was not, in fact, a joke…did not see that one coming.

You’ll remember director Shawn Levy from his work on Cheaper by the Dozen, Night at the Museum, and the third-best Frankie Muniz movie ever, Big Fat Liar. This flick will be a departure into more dramatic (though still family-friendly) territory for him…or, at least, that’s the plan. But honestly, seeing words like “drama” and “robot boxing” in the same sentence, along with a title like Real Steel, makes it sound pretty damn funny to me…which, I suppose, would also represent a change of pace for Levy.
Source: Collider.com

I also uploaded some high quality candids of Hugh arriving at and leaving a gym in NYC.

GALLERY LINKS:
• Candids from 2010 – 01-20 – In New York [HQ]