The finger of fame could soon point at one lucky Jewish schoolchild, who could go on to work for Steven Spielberg.

The legendary director is searching for a "really extraordinary boy" in the Jewish playgrounds of north London.

Casting director Nina Gold, whose recent projects include Star Wars VII and Game of Thrones, is visiting Jewish schools in search of the star of Spielberg's new film, The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara.

It is based on a true story about an Italian Jewish child who was seized by the Vatican in the 19th century after being secretly baptised.

Agents have already attended one school and will visit another next week, where they hope to identify a "truly special and gifted boy aged between six and nine". Parents were advised not to tell their children in advance so as not to "get their hopes up".

Suitable candidates will be filmed for a short audition with the chance to star opposite Oscar winner Mark Rylance as Pope Pius IX.