Logan Lerman has been cast in the lead role of Walden Media andNew Line Cinema's children's story Hoot, based on the novel by Carl Hiaasen.

The story centres on a young Montana boy who moves toFlorida and uncovers a plot to destroy a local population of endangered owls.

Wil Shriner is directing the project, which begins shooting thissummer and is being produced by Frank Marshall and Jimmy Buffett.

Lerman's feature credits include The Patriot and Riding In Cars With Boys and he is represented by Wendi Green ofAbrams Artists Agency and attorney Geoff Oblath of Jackoway/Tyerman.

DougJones and Evan Turner are overseeing the project for Walden Media, with NewLine's Mark Kaufman and Michael Disco overseeing the for the studio.