British actor Alex Pettyfer is currently in negotiations to headline the Steven Spielberg/Michael Bay produced sci-fi actioner I Am Number Four. The film is an adaptation of the upcoming HarperCollins young-adult novel of the same name written by James Frey (“A Million Little Pieces”) and Jobie Hughes.

I Am Number Four follows nine aliens taking refuge on earth after their planet is destroyed by a rival species. Pettyfer’s role would be that of John Smith, an alien living incognito as a human high school student in Paradise, Ohio up until he’s discovered by his alien enemies.

DJ Caruso (Disturbia, Taking Lives) directs from a screenplay by “Smallville” creators Al Gough and Miles Millar. Dreamworks has set a Feb. 18, 2011 release date.

Pettyfer made his American movie debut in CBS Film’s upcoming “Beauty and the Beast” retelling Beastly, costarring Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olson, and Neil Patrick Harris.