Why Jaden Smith Joined a Cast of Non-Professional Teenage Actors in Skate Kitchen

Jaden Smith grinds the streets of LA in the new film for Skate Kitchen.

Director Crystal Moselle found most of her cast organically for the upcoming film Skate Kitchen but casted Jaden Smith as the only familiar face in the entire film.

Moselle overheard them chatting on the G train about, of all things, tampons. She was struck by their openness and authenticity. But the skateboards they were toting certainly didn’t hurt.

“I just knew right away when I met them,” Moselle said. “I like the idea of an ensemble cast. Everybody brings something, but there’s always the first one that kinda sticks out to me and they have a charisma that sticks out and that pulls me in to the group.” It was only later that she added Jaden Smith to the cast, blending a recognizable face with a cast of newcomers.

Watch the trailer below.