Liam James, who plays Mireille Enos’ son on AMC’s “The Killing,” has landed the coveted lead role in the coming-of-age indie “The Way, Way Back,” which marks the directorial debut of “The Descendants” scribes Jim Rash and Nat Faxon.
Faxon and Rash’s script, which appeared on the 2010 Black List, follows a teenager (James) who struggles to find himself as he comes to terms with his unattentive mother (Toni Collette) and cheating stepfather (Steve Carell) during summer vacation.
He finds acceptance at a local waterpark where he secretly works during the week, and garners the confidence to stand up to his step-dad while healing his relationship with his mom.
Sam Rockwell and Allison Janney are set to co-star in the pic, which will lens this summer in Massachusetts.
Kevin Walsh is producing through his Walsh Co. banner, along with Tom Rice of Sycamore Pictures.
James recurred on USA’s “Psych” as a younger version of star James Roday’s character, and he also played a young Vince Vaughn in “Fred Claus.” More recently, he played Dennis Quaid’s son in “Horsemen” and John Cusack’s son in “2012.”
James is repped by Gersh, Kirk Talent, and the law firm SMGSB.
