Ben Kingsley in talks for Ender's Game

Sir Ben Kingsley is in negotiations to star in an adaptation of Orson Scott Card's sci-fi novel 'Ender's Game' alongside Asa Butterfield.

Sir Ben Kingsley is in talks to join 'Ender's Game'.

The British actor would appear alongside his 'Hugo' co-star Asa Butterfield should he sign up to the project, an adaptation of the sci-fi novel by Orson Scott Card.

The book tells the tale of an earth under attack from an insect-like alien species, where bullied youngster Ender Wiggin (Asa) proves to have hidden talents which could help save the human race.

Ben would play a former war hero who is presumed to be long-dead in the movie, which is being produced by 'Star Trek' scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, according to The Hollywood Reporter

Gavin Hood is directing the project, which is set to go into production in February 2012, although no release date is yet planned.

Oscar-winner Ben - who can currently be seen in Martin Scorsese's family film 'Hugo' - has a number of roles set to hit cinemas in 2012, including a part in Sacha Baron Cohen's 'The Dictator'.