Claim: Elle Fanning starred in Super 8.

Super 8 is a 2011 American science-fiction thriller film written , co-produced , and directed by J. J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg . The film stars Joel Courtney , Elle Fanning , and Kyle Chandler and tells the story of a group of young teenagers who are filming their own Super 8 movie when a train derails , releasing a dangerous presence into their town . The film was shot in Weirton , West Virginia and surrounding areas .   Super 8 was released on June 10 , 2011 , in conventional and IMAX theaters in the United States . The film was well received , with critics praising the film for its nostalgic elements , visual effects , musical score , and for the performances of its young actors , particularly those of Fanning and newcomer Courtney , while also being heavily compared to films like like E.T. , Stand by Me , and The Goonies . It was also a commercial success , grossing over $ 260 million against a $ 50 million budget . The film received several awards and nominations , primarily in technical and special effects categories , Giacchino 's musical score , as well as for Courtney and Fanning 's performances .