Heat Vision is reporting that Sharlto Copley (District 9) is in negotiations to join I Am Number Four for DreamWorks. The film is an adaptation of the upcoming young-adult science fiction book by James Frey and Jobie Hughes.

Alex Pettyfer (Beastly) is going to play the title role of Four. He is one of nine aliens who leave their home planet before its annihilation by a rival species and then "hide out on Earth disguised as human high schoolers."

Copley would play a man who came from the alien world's serving class but is now Four's adult guardian and mentor.

Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (creators of Smallville) penned the screenplay. They adapted it from a planned six-book series that will come out in the fall by HarperCollins Children's Books.

D.J. Caruso is directing this film. Michael Bay is producing along with Steven Spielberg.