"Kick-Ass" sensation Chloe Moretz and "Watchmen" star Jackie Earle Haley are trading in their superhero costumes for ballet shoes, as the duo are attached to star in the dark indie comedy "Dance of the Mirlitons," according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Sounding like "Black Swan" for the pre-teen crowd, "Mirlitons" stars Bailee Madison ("Brothers") as an ambitious, slightly overweight ballerina who will stop at nothing to become a star. The girl enters a "Mean Girls"-type environment where she has to prove her worth in class.
Moretz will play the star ballerina who is Madison's rival, while Haley will play a subtly sadistic Russian ballet teacher.
Kristen Bell was previously cast as Madison's overbearing mother.
Evan Greenberg will direct from his own screenplay, which landed high on the 2005 Black List. Daniel Dubiecki ("Up in the Air") will produce with Joel Michaely. The trio reportedly spent months trying to find their young leading lady, as the role evidently offers breakout potential in the way that "Billy Elliot" and "Little Miss Sunshine" respectively launched Jamie Bell and Abigail Breslin to stardom.
The awkwardly-titled "Dance of the Mirlitons" is finalizing its financing, with the aim of starting production next year.
Madison is a very talented young actress with a bright future ahead of her. She'll soon be seen as Guy Pearce's daughter in "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," as well as Jennifer Aniston's daughter in the Adam Sandler comedy "Just Go With It." Madison also recently played the younger version of Hilary Swank's character in "Conviction."
Moretz is currently filming Martin Scorsese's "Hugo Cabret," while Haley recently appeared in the director's "Shutter Island." The actor can currently be seen on Fox's action series "Human Target."
Moretz is represented by WME and 3 Arts Entertainment, while Haley is repaid by CAA and Leslie Allan-Rice Management. Madison is represented by Coast to Coast Talent and James/Levy Management.
