Looks like this has been confirmed to be Cuba Gooding Jr.'s next project; the titled we previously had (based on what my source told me) was Something Whispered (although I can't say if that's what it will eventually be called).

Peter Cousens was listed as director from a script penned by Tim Chey.

Set in 1850, the story centers on a man named Samuel (Gooding), who attempts to free his family from the brutality of institutionalized slavery, intent on escaping from the tobacco plantation they have been forced to call their home for two generations. Heading north towards Canada, via that network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves in 19th century USA (aka the Underground Railroad), they are tracked by a group of ruthless hired slave hunters, who constantly threaten Samuel and his family's survival.

I learned this morning that an open casting call was announced late last week, for "background actors," which will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, September 18, at the Downtown Bridgeport (CT) Public Library, according to the film’s local casting director.

The casting notice also states that the film will shoot in Bridgeport through November, and is apparently already underway.

Here are the open casting details for tomorrow's call:

The filmmakers are looking for men and women between 18 and 60 years old. The casting session begins at 10 a.m. for members of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists with membership cards. The general public may audition from 1 to 7:30 p.m.

The Downtown Bridgeport Public Library is located at 925 Broad St., Bridgeport. If you can’t come, email a current photo and contact information to featurefilmct@gmail.com.

Cuba has done lots of direct-to-video work in recent years, so I'd guess that this is likely headed down a similar path; although I could be wrong. Director Cousens' resume is full of lots of TV work, so it could also very well be a TV movie.

Look for him on the big screen in two upcoming feature films – Robert Rodriguez's Machete Kills and Lee Daniels' The Butler.