On 'Abduction,' Taylor Lautner could be a boy in the hood

EXCLUSIVE: How much clout does Taylor Lautner have right now? So much clout that even the filmmaker behind the urban classic "Boyz 'n the Hood" may end up working with him.

Sources say that John Singleton, the Oscar-nominated writer and director behind that 1991 hit, is in the lead position to grab the director job on "Abduction," a story about a teen disconnected from his parents that evolves into a "Bourne"-like man-on-the-run thriller. Singleton, also a producer on "Hustle & Flow," could bring -- how to put this? -- an edgy flair that one wouldn't necessarily expect from a Lautner vehicle.

Singleton tops a list that also includes Gary Fleder, the director of the cult hit "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead" and most recently the filmmaker behind the race-tinged sports drama "The Express." There's also a veteran (and, frankly, not always critically well-regarded) Hollywood hand in the mix; he's further back in the race, so we'll refrain from mentioning him unless he picks up steam.

"Abduction" was recently bought for nearly $1 million by Lionsgate in a rare sale of a spec script (i.e. a script that was written without any upfront studio commitment or commission) from newcomer Shawn Christensen. The story, say people familiar with the project, involves a teenager who comes across his baby picture in a missing-persons database and sets out on a quest to find the truth; government agents, shadowy figures and other thriller staples are involved.

Lautner, who's lately booked more gigs than the Rolling Stones, has a rare ability to get a studio to pay attention -- any project with his name on it moves forward a lot faster than it otherwise would. He's got momentum for "Stretch Armstrong" at Universal, with a director race heating up on that movie (Rob Letterman is in the lead spot), and "Abduction" could shoot as early as this summer.

--Steven Zeitchik

Photo: Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart in "New Moon." Credit: Summit Entertainment

Comments

[masterpuff theater]

Looks good with his shirt off. Has perfect hair. Now if only he could act. But then again, who needs actors these days?

[megan]

Taylor looks really good with his shirt off and on.I can remember the movie he played when he was little but i forgot the name of it. He is still cute as can be and i love his eyes and the way looks. i would like to see wat kind personality is.

[emely]

i think taylor is a total hotttie he is so cute and he really looks gud wit his shirt off

[Charlene]

Taylor looks great, very good looking young man. That alone would make me go see this movie But it wasn't his looks alone that caught my attention when I took my girls to see his last movie New Moon while my girls where still looking at his body and dreaming of marriage. That scene where him and Bella was in the rain, his acting there made me tear up. It was very emotional. I felt like he braking up with me. I agree it's his eyes!

[Lisa]

So cute! If I was 20 years younger...

[Taylena]

I am estatic that Taylor Lautner will be in this film! With him in it,its sure to reach beyond blockbuster! I love Taylor sooooo much n am looking forward to watch his career blossom. I'll surely be there every step of the way! TEAM JACOB + TAYLOR ALWAYS

[Shanise]

I love taylor great actor cant wait to see this movie