From Digital Spy:

Actor Joel Courtney has revealed that his only goal was to star in a commercial before he landed the lead role in Super 8.

The 15-year-old went to Los Angeles to visit his brother, hoping to get an audition for a commercial, according to The Playlist. However, he ultimately ended up being cast in JJ Abrams's highly-secretive film.

"I'd had like, six acting classes before [being cast]," Courtney said, "I've only wanted to act for like, a year and a half, it's my brother who's wanted to act for a long time... I wanted to get an audition for a commercial and $100, that was my goal for the summer."

He continued: "And, uh, I got Super 8."