Sharlto Copley in talks to star in the sci-fi film I Am Number Four

Sharlto Copley continues reaping the benefits of his breakthrough performance in DISTRICT 9, one of last year’s best films. He’ll soon be seen in Joe Carnahan’s THE A-TEAM as Howling Mad Murdock, and it now appears the native South African will eventually be returning to the sci-fi genre with a film called I AM NUMBER FOUR for director D.J. Caruso (EAGLE EYE, THE SALTON SEA) and producers Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg.

Copley would join British actor Alex Pettyfer (BEASTLY, ALEX RIDER: STORMBREAKER) who will be playing the title role of “Four”. According to THR’s Heat Vision blog, Four is “one of nine aliens who escape their home planet before its annihilation by a rival species and hide out on Earth disguised as human high schoolers.” Copley plays a man originally from the alien world’s serving class, but now acts as Four’s adult guardian and mentor.

I AM NUMBER FOUR’s script comes from “Smallville” creators Al Gough and Miles Millar. The film will be an adaptation of a series of young-adult books by James Frey and Jobie Hughes that will be released later this fall.

DreamWorks hopes to have the film released by February of next year.