Alex Pettyfer is being lined up for the lead role in 'The Mortal Instruments' franchise.

The 'I Am Number Four' star is wanted by producers to star as the male lead - the hunky, sarcastic warrior Jace Wayland - opposite 'The Blind Side's' Lily Collins as Clary Fray.

The film is being developed by Screen Gems with 'Lord Of The Rings' veterans Robert Shaye and MICHAEL LYNNE producing.

Screen Gems producer Clint Culpepper is said to have offered Alex the role and will only go ahead with making the movie if he accepts according to NY Mag.

The movie will be based on the books by Cassandra Clare , which tell the story of a female teen who falls in with a tribe of 'Shadowhunters' who track down and kill demons loose on the streets of New York City.

In-demand Alex actor will also star in 'Shunt: The Story of James Hunt' based on the true story of the British racing driver who won the Formula One World Championships in 1976 and was responsible for getting the whole country interested in the sport.