By Matt Thekkethala ’15, Staff Writer

We all, at one point, have dreamed of becoming a movie star. We’ve wished to wear fancy sunglasses, expensive and unique dresses, a distinct red carpet swagger, and of course, numerous adoring fans. One of us, a Newark Academy 6^th grader, has accomplished this dream. Jared Gilman ’17 is set to star in the upcoming film, Moonrise Kingdom. Moonrise Kingdom features veteran actors like Bruce Willis and Bill Murray, and is directed by Wes Anderson, who has also filmed notable works like Fantastic Mr. Fox and Darjeeling Limited.

Jared Gilman has been acting in local workshops and classes until now. Now, he faces the real deal after several callbacks for the role. When he was asked about the plot of the film, Jared stated, “All I can say is that it’s about a boy and a girl who fall in love and run away. I’m the boy.” Jared Gilman is a lucky boy. Lucky because he’s in a movie and, because he’s a boyfriend. How can it get any better?

Bill Murray and Bruce Willis play police officers, or concerned parents who must deal with the loss of the two young lovers. “I’m not going to say who is who, I want their character to be a surprise.” Moonrise Kingdom is currently being filmed in Rhode Island, because of “the forests. There’s a scenes where the two of us (Jared his girl) are hiding there.”

However, Jared will miss the last two months of school, including the Middle School Capstone Trip to Nature’s Classroom. “I met with Jared’s teachers, and we made a schedule for his tutor, who will be with him for three hours each day on the set. Because public school in Rhode Island doesn’t end until the end of June, Jared will actually continue with his daily education after Newark Academy school year has ended. He’ll be getting a jumpstart on the infamous 7^th Grade Immigration Project,” according to Mr. Ashburn, who was very excited for Jared, Jared being, one of the only middle school students who have starred in a TV show or movie.

Mr. Jacoby, a fellow actor, is very excited for Jared as well. “It’s a great experience to do something so professional. Several students here became involved in Hollywood and film only after they graduated, so it’s really exciting to have an actor in our school while he’s attending it.”

Moonrise Kingdom is slated to hit theaters by 2012. He left for filming Moonrise Kingdom a month ago, but he’ll return to a theater near you.