
"Martian Child" follows David, a recently-widowed science fiction writer played by John Cusack, who contemplates adopting Dennis, a hyper-imaginative 6-year-old boy portrayed by Bobby Coleman. Dennis claims he's from Mars, and his unique worldview challenges David's understanding of family and acceptance as they form a powerful bond.
Trivia:
1. John Cusack's real-life sister, Joan Cusack, appears in the film, adding a familial connection to the story.
2. Bobby Coleman, who plays Dennis, brought his own extensive imagination and personal experiences to authentically portray the character's vivid sense of being an outsider.
3. The director, Menno Meyjes, drew inspiration from the semi-autobiographical novel by David Gerrold, who himself adopted a child, lending a heartfelt authenticity to the story.