News > Jon Hamm Joins Day the Earth Stood Still Remake

Written by David Morgan

Golden Globe nominee Jon Hamm of AMC's Mad Men will play a supporting role opposite Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, and Kathy Bates in the remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he will play "Dr. Granier, a NASA official who recruits Helen (Connelly) for the scientific team investigating an alien's arrival on Earth. Reeves plays Klaatu, the alien who has a simple message: Live in peace or be destroyed."

It's been a few years since I've seen Robert Wise's 1951 version, but I don't believe Connelly or Hamm's characters appeared in that. For one thing, it was 1951; a female scientist in a Hollywood movie would have been about as shocking as any alien encounter. Scott Derrickson is directing this updated version from David Scarpa's screenplay. Erwin Stoff and Paul Harris Boardman are producing. According to THR, shooting has already begun in Vancouver.