Jason Reitman Casts Child Star for Next Film 'Labor Day'

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Jason Reitman has cast the key child role in his upcoming drama “Labor Day.”

Gattlin Griffith, 13, who appeared as Angelina Jolie's abducted son in 2008's “Changeling” and as a young Ryan Reynolds in last summer's “The Green Lantern,” has entered negotiations to join Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin in Reitman's follow-up to last year's “Young Adult.” Paramount and Indian Paintbrush are backing the film. Helen Estabrook, Lianne Halfon and Russell Smith are producing.

Reitman had toiled for months to find the right child for the role, which sources describe as the center of the story. In the script, written by Reitman based on a novel by Joyce Maynard, a depressed single mom (Winslet) offers an escaped convict (Brolin) a ride in her car. As their relationship evolves, the action is seen through the eyes of Winslet's child (Griffith).

Reitman is said to have decided on Griffith but a deal has not closed. News of the casting comes on the same day James Van Der Beek joined the film.

Griffith is represented by Paradigm and Curtis Talent.

Reitman, Oscar nominated for both “Juno” and “Up in the Air,” is represented by WME.

Paramount declined to comment.

- The Hollywood Reporter