I Am Number Four's Alex Pettyfer was recently rumored for the role of Jace Wayland, the male lead in the film adaptation of the The Mortal Instruments book series, according to Vulture, which also reported that Screen Gems President Clint Culpepper said he feels so strongly about the actor that he only wants to greenlight the film, if he signs on.

Now, Collider caught up with Alex Pettyfer who commented on the rumors:

"Question: It was just reported the other day that Clint Culpepper at Screen Gems said that he doesn't want to go ahead with the Mortal Instruments film, unless you sign on for the male lead. Is that something you're interested in doing? Are you close to signing on for that?

Alex Pettyfer: He said he won't do it [without me]? When did he say that?

Question: It came out a couple days ago that he doesn't want to do the film without you as Jace.

D.J. Caruso: Does your agent know that? That's a really good thing.

Alex Pettyfer: I'm a big fan of the books, and I'm just trying to figure out what I'm doing next."

The Mortal Instruments author Cassandra Clare wrote on her blog that Alex Pettyfer is indeed circling the project:

"Hey guys, I know a lot of you have been waiting for updates . . . I wanted to wait till I could have an official chat with the studio folks before I said anything, so my small contribution is: I know Alex has met with the director, Scott Stewart, several times; I know he screened Scott's movie, Priest, and loved it; I know he read the books over the holidays and really liked them and liked Jace, and his agents are representing him in negotiating making a deal for the role of Jace. At this point it's all about the deal, which really doesn't have anything to do with me, so I stand back and wait for news like the rest of you."