Breaking news from Hollyweird—even Variety and IMDB don’t know about this one yet! You’re hearing it here first: A nine-year-old North Portland boy has been cast to play the role of Max in Spike Jonze’s Where the Wild Things Are. Production starts in about two weeks in Australia. The young actor has virtually no acting experience; his only gig to date was a music video directed by a friend of his parents. Lance Bangs, Spike Jonze’s right hand man, was on the set of the video, and after Jonze & co. were unable to find their perfect lead, Bangs thought of the N Portland boy (who’s very cool and handsome, in my humble opinion). I’m holding off on releasing the boy’s name until I get a go-ahead from his Dad. But stay tuned: The Mercury will keep you updated.