Nicholas Hoult (“Warm Bodies”), Michael Shannon (“Take Shelter”), Elle Fanning (“Super 8”) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“Let Me In”) are set to star in futuristic thriller “Young Ones,” written and directed by Jake Paltrow.

Produced by Subotica’s Tristan Orpen Lynch and Spier Films’ Michael Auret, Paltrow’s sophomore outing, coming five years after “The Good Night,” began principal photography Feb. 1 in South Africa’s Northern Cape desert.

Set in a violent near-future where water has become the most precious — and fastest-dwindling — resource on the planet, “Young Ones” turns on a 14-year-old boy forced use his wits to survive.

Marina Fuentes, Peter Garde and Quickfire’s James Atherton and Jan Pace and Brian O’Shea exec produce. Fuentes’ 6 Sales and O’Shea’s the Exchange handle international sales. UTA is repping North America rights. “Young Ones” has pre-sold to Ascot Elite (Germany), Lusomundo (Portugal), Polar Star (Latin America) and Front Row (Middle East).

Cinematographer is Giles Nuttgens (“Midnight’s Children”), production designer is Sharon Lomofsky (“Very Good Girls”) and costume designer is Diana Cilliers (“District 9”).

“Jake’s engaging tale of hope and courage in a neo-realistic dystopia will have universal appeal,” said Auret, which produced Berlin Competition player “Layla Fourie.”

Lionsgate-Summit release “Warm Bodies,” starring Hoult, outperformed expectations in the U.S. with a $20.4 million weekend bow Feb.1. [Source]