If there was ever a more ambitious film than "The Butler," we have yet to discover it.

"Precious" director Lee Daniels efforts to recapitulate — through the real-life eyes of a lone, stolid White House butler — pretty much the entire twentieth century as it related to the American Civil Rights Movement. With a cast list that reads like a flat-out roll call for the Walk of Fame, Daniels presents the working life of Cecil Gaines (real name: Eugene Allen), a man who served eight consecutive U.S. presidents during his career and witnessed history being made first-hand.

The first trailer for "The Butler" has now been released, and boy oh boy are we impressed with all the acute caricaturing going down here ... and all the feels we feel.

Forest Whitaker leads the cast as the apolitical Mr. Gaines, a man whose directive is to ghost around the Capitol without putting in his two cents as the business of the Oval Office is conducted before his very eyes by a string of Commanders in Chief: Robin Williams as Dwight D. Eisenhower, James Marsden as John F. Kennedy, Jr., Liev Shreiber as Lyndon B. Johnson, John Cusack as Richard Nixon, Alan Rickman as Ronald Reagan and Orlando Eric Street as Barack Obama.

Rounding out the impressive cast are Oprah Winfrey as Gaines' wife, Jane Fonda as Nancy Reagan, Melissa Leo as Mamie Eisenhower, Minka Kelly as Jackie Kennedy, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jesse Williams, Vanessa Redgrave, Mariah Carey (see, we told you there were a ton of names here), Alex Pettyfer as an apparent slave-driver, Lenny Kravitz, David Oyelowo, Nelsan Ellis as Martin Luther King, Jr., and, if you can believe it, several others.

"The Butler" will be serving up some smiles and probably some tears too this Oct. 18.

Getty Images

There have been several names floating around as the potential director of "Fifty Shades of Grey," the erotic bestseller by E.L. James that chronicles the sinfully wicked sexual adventures of college student Anastasia Steele and mysterious billionaire Christian Grey. While none of the would-be candidates (such has Angelina Jolie) seem to have any interest in the project, there's one filmmaker who's bound and determined to score the gig for himself: Gus Van Sant.

The "Good Will Hunting" director is apparently lobbying hard for the assignment and has even gone so far as to shoot one of the book's many sex scenes ... starring "Magic Mike" up-and-comer Alex Pettyfer, according to The Wrap.

The scene, which now makes for the steamiest demo reel around town, is quite the doozy, too, as insiders say it's the moment where Steele loses her virginity to Grey. No word on who Pettyfer's co-star might be, but it's safe to assume it sure as hell isn't Emma Watson.

Universal Studios and Focus Features, who bought the rights to the book in March 2012, are stressing that Pettyfer has strictly been cast in the role for the purposes of this mini-project and not for the feature film itself. However, that's not to say Pettyfer isn't on the list, as the 23-year-old (who's four years younger than Grey, according to the novel) is currently shooting the "Endless Love" remake for the studio.

Van Sant hasn't locked down a new project following his reunion with Matt Damon, "Promised Land," which opened last December. His knack for portraying and exploring sexuality in a frank and fearless manner in films like "Milk," "My Own Private Idaho," "Mala Noche," "To Die For," "Elephant" and "Last Days" makes him an ideal candidate for calling the shots on "Fifty Shades of Grey."

Stay tuned to see whether Van Sant — and/or Pettyfer — gets the job. And, of course, for the scene to get leaked and posted.

Screen Gems

Ahh, the year in skin.

It's not the golden "Deep Throat" years of the '70s anymore, it's the age of the Internet and no one really goes to the movies to see nudity, but women proved they were hungry for some beefcake with the wild success of "Magic Mike." Meanwhile, A-list actresses bared it all for some compelling reasons that were absolutely integral to the script… hehe.

Here's our comprehensive list of major celebs who got in the buff so perverts could post screengrabs on Internet forums.

Ladies

IFC Films

Kristen Stewart, 'On the Road'
She may be a trampire in real-life, but Stewart's also got a polyamorous streak in the movie version of Jack Kerouac's "On the Road," a.k.a. "This Seemed Cooler When I Was in High School English Class." As free spirit Marylou, Stewart gets to have a go with both Dean Moriarty (Garrett Hedlund) and Sal Paradise (Sam Riley) on a roadtrip, but they aren't the only two things she sets free... if ya know what we mean.

Olivia Wilde, 'Deadfall'
It's been a solid six years since we saw Olivia in full "Girls Gone Wilde" mode in "Alpha Dog," but, for the Eric Bana drama, she got wild with a son of anarchy (Charlie Hunnam) in a full-on sex scene where she bared her bosoms. There's also some bra and panties action thrown in for good measure.

Rebecca Hall, Jo Newman and Laura Prepon, 'Lay the Favorite'
This one feels like a real cheat, seeing as how we only see Hall dancing in her underwear even though she's playing author Beth Raymer, who worked as an "in home stripper." To add insult to injury, we get a nude sunbathing scene where  Newman and "That '70s Show" star Prepon let it all hang out while Hall lies there in a bikini. No fair!

Warner Bros.

Olivia Munn, 'Magic Mike'
A lot of women might have been frustrated by a movie promoted as a male weiner-thon that actually had a lot more mam than man in it, as far as nudity is concerned. Director Steven Soderbergh knew dudes were gonna get dragged to this male stripper flick by their girlfriends, so he threw us a bone by having the former "Attack of the Show" host perpetrate a sneak attack with her maguppies. (We also want to tip our hats to Mircea Monroe, who also gives us all she's got about halfway through the movie).

Nadine Velazquez, 'Flight'
Leave it to normally family-friendly director Robert Zemeckis ("Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "The Polar Express," "A Christmas Carol") to give us four-star nudity in the first minute of his Oscar-bait drama. Velazquez (a regular on FX's "The League") is a flight attendant waking up next to Denzel Washington's hungover pilot. The camera follows her around the room fully naked in one glorious take before they both do bumps of cocaine. Holla!

Juno Temple, 'Jack & Diane' and 'Killer Joe'
"Little ditty about Jack and Diane, two American lesbians growin' up in the heartland." Sorry to paraphrase John Mellencamp, but we're just too excited about the two-for-one year this prodigious young beauty gave us, starting with this indie drama which made up for the lack of girl-on-girl action between her and Anne Hathaway in "Dark Knight Rises." Speaking of something rising, did we mention she goes FULL MONTY while trying a dress on in "Killer Joe?"

Weinstein Company

Jessica Chastain, 'Lawless'
"Zero Dark Thirty" has become a front-runner for Best Picture in recent days, but even though 30-year-old star Jessica Chastain's nude scene in "Lawless" is dark, it is definitely not a zero on the nudity scale. The stunning redhead walks into Tom Hardy's room in her birthday suit, although everything below the waist is shrouded in shadows. Sorry for those of you taking bets to see if the carpet matches the drapes.

Christina Ricci, 'Bel Ami'
Wednesday Addams done growed up. We hope Ricci was on Robert Pattinson's freebie list, because he got to get with her every which way in the period romantic sexcapade "Bel Ami." The former child star got to prove how firm and supple her acting skills were, and now that she's gone full frontal, it's okay by us if she wants to be a movie corset queen… so long as she takes off said corset.

Anne Hutchinson, 'Cabin in the Woods'
Her forest floor roll in the hay with Chris Hemsworth is just one Viking helmet away from being a Mighty Thor sex scene. Guess we'll have to wait for "Thor 3: Hammer Her Hard" for the whole deal, but, until then, enjoy one of the slyest, cleverest horror movies of the year with a healthy dose of Hutchinson's funbags.

Sony

Piper Perabo, 'Looper'
"Coyote Ugly" was pretty but tame, but Rian Johnson's sci-fi mind-bender "Looper" proved Perabo can do more than tease us relentlessly with bartop dancing. Getting into her role here as a nightclub stripper, she goes totally topless for a scene where she spoons a grieving Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Is it okay if we nickname her boobs Rocky and Bullwinkle?

Ashley Hinshaw, 'About Cherry'
Yeah about that cherry… POP! This indie flick centers around the San Francisco porn industry, particularly a young runaway named Angelina (Ashley Hinshaw) who seeks fame and fortune in the skin business. With the ubiquitous James Franco and "Boogie Nights" alum Heather Graham on hand, Hinshaw shows off her chesticles in multiple simulated sex/masturbation scenes. Hooray for Hollywood!

Ali Cobrin, 'American Reunion'
Happily married Jason Biggs drives the girl he used to babysit (Cobrin) home as she tries hilariously to seduce him, exposing her breasts a multitude of times even as Biggs tries to carry her half-conscious into her parents' house. Seann William Scott isn't the only one getting Stifler here.

Sony Pictures Classics

Marion Cotillard, 'Rust and Bone'
When an Oscar-winner bares some boobage, you know there's gotta be a dramatic catch, and "Rust and Bone" is no exception. Here, Cotillard plays a super-sexy marine park trainer who loses both legs to an Orca whale, and spends the rest of the movie drawing attention away from her stumps with her fabulous breasts, glimpsed through both clingy t-shirt and a darkly-lit sex scene.

Michelle Williams and Sarah Silverman, 'Take This Waltz'
After this movie, Seth Rogen immediately went from being "the schlubby guy who somehow scored Katherine Heigl" to "the idiot who ignores Michelle Williams while she gets naked." Yes, marriage forces people to become accustomed to the sight of their partner, blah blah blah… Michelle WILLIAMS, dude. Seriously. As an added bonus, we also get the Oscar-nominee head-to-toe naked during a sex scene and in the shower with an equally-nude Silverman. And then we fainted…

Helen Hunt, 'The Sessions'
We're still mad about you, Helen Hunt, especially when your 49-year-old body is as good as it gets. See what we did there? Playing a professional sex surrogate helping a paralyzed dude (John Hawkes) lose his virginity, Hunt gives us the three B's: boobs, butt and bush. Because the material is dealt with in tasteful, tender fashion, it might be the most naked Oscar contender out there.

Elizabeth Banks, 'The Details'
Looks like the odds were in our favor as "Spider-Man" star Tobey Maguire grabbed Banks' spider-hams during a bathroom make-out session. Once we saw her backside, we knew it was more than our Spidey-sense that was tingling. A nice surprise from an actress who has bared little actual flesh in a career chock full of underwear scenes.

Warner Bros.

Doona Bae, 'Cloud Atlas'
She'd appeared in such classic Korean fare as "Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance" and "The Host," but, for her splashy American debut, Bae played a sexy clone-turned-political-martyr who does the horizontal bop with Jim Sturgess. Their sex scene leaves nothing to the imagination, and provides a very ingratiating introduction for Western audiences.

Naomi Watts, 'The Impossible'
The Australian beauty, who has bared all in several movies including her breakout "Mulholland Drive," proved that nothing is impossible when she managed to pop out a single, disturbing boob during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami drama. Sexy it's not.

Leslie Mann, 'This is 40'
For the first nude scene of her career, Judd Apatow's wife/muse Leslie Mann gets a mammogram. Yikes! "It was my idea, it wasn't Judd's idea," Mann told The Hot Button. "I wanted to show what that feels like after being married for a long time and feeling neglected by your husband. I felt like it would be helpful to be in that state."

Dudes

Warner Bros.

Channing Tatum, 'The Vow' and 'Magic Mike'
Double your pleasure, double your buns. The year's surprise breakout superstar gave women (and gay men) what they wanted, and scored two female-driven hits. In "The Vow," he shocks a memory-impaired Rachel McAdams with his cavalier rear nudity, while in "Magic Mike" he rocks a thong for his many dance routines while also showcasing that bare-naked buttocks for two bedroom scenes.

Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfer and Joe Manganiello, 'Magic Mike'
Pettyfer, the "I Am Number Four" star, was absolutely "Beastly" as he showed off his tush in three separate dancing scenes. Fans of "True Blood" star Manganiello had to settle for seeing his package only in silhouette, but, along with all the other hunks in the "Magic Mike" crew, they got the job done. And then there was McConaughey's assless chaps.

Tom Cruise, 'Rock of Ages'
Speaking of assless chaps, Cruise finally gets his rocks off channeling '80s glam metal in this raucous musical, but it was director Adam Shankman who convinced him to get into some real risky business. "I thought we would cover it up with mesh or underwear," Shankman told Pride Source, "and I was like, 'You do know that when I'm shooting, we're gonna see your ass? He said, 'Well, how is it?' And I go, 'It's fantastic.' Tom's response? 'Then let's shoot it.'"

Jason Segel, 'Five-Year Engagement'
Although he didn't go full monty like in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," his latest collaboration with director Nicolas Stoller saw Segel in a chef's apron and little else. Emily Blunt and the rest of the audience got Segel buttcheek, and all the females wanted to kiss the cook.

Entertainment One

Robert Pattinson, 'Cosmopolis' and 'Bel Ami'
Perhaps as payback for all the onscreen (and off) tomfoolery of Kristen Stewart, R.Pattz got to score a ton of movieland tail this year, and, while he never took his little vampire out of its coffin, there's a lot of gratuitous sparkly butt in David Cronenberg's weirdo curiosity "Cosmopolis" and the lecherous period piece "Bel Ami."

Jamie Foxx, 'Django Unchained'
We have it on good authority that Django is NOT the only thing that gets unchained in Quentin Tarantino's hotly anticipated western. Apparently the Oscar-winner exposes his schlong and it really hangs there for a little while. That sounds like a "Ray" of hope for all the ladies out there.

Get more Best of 2012 here.

Warner Bros.

This week: Before he became an actor, Channing Tatum worked as a male stripper, which inspired Steven Soderbergh to direct "Magic Mike," a behind-the-scenes look at a troupe of male strippers taking it off nightly at a club in Florida.

Also new this week is the self-explanatory horror thriller "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter," the sweet-natured apocalyptic romance "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" and a definitive anniversary edition of "Blade Runner" on Blu-ray.

'Magic Mike'

Warner Bros.

Box Office: $114 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 79% Fresh
Storyline: Inspired by Channing Tatum's real-life occupation as a male stripper, this Steven Soderbergh-directed drama (that's right — this isn't a fluffy chick flick) stars Tatum as the titular character who takes a young dancer called The Kid (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing and teaches the teenager how to shake his moneymaker, pick up women and make gobs of money. Matthew McConaughey stars as the owner of the joint where the guys — including Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello — strip for rowdy female audiences.
Extras! The Fully Extended Edition has a "Backstage on 'Magic Mike'" featurette in which Tatum exposes the finer details of being a male stripper — from manscaping to hip shaking — and the transformation of his co-stars. The Blu-ray also has exclusive extended dance sequences.
We Say: If you just want to see good-looking guys take it all off and gyrate for women's delight, read no further — this movie has the bare butts you require. But surrounding the parade of man meat is a more compelling story about having access to too much while too young and how real dreams are worth pursuing.

'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'

Fox

Box Office: $38 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 35% Rotten
Storyline: Based on the novel of the same name, this action-horror film imagines the 16th President of the United States as someone who — when he's not worried about emancipating the slaves — moonlights as a vampire hunter after having witnessed his mother being killed by a bloodsucker. Benjamin Walker plays Abe, Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays his wife, Dominic Cooper plays the president's mentor and Rufus Sewell heads up an order of vampires.
Extras! The five-part making-of feature includes details about the transition from book to screen, choreography, makeup effects and a peek behind the scenes. The full combo pack includes the movie in 3-D (as it was in theaters), although the 3-D effect is not one of the better conversions out there.
We Say: Although the silly premise is at odds with the serious performances by everyone involved, viewers who can get beyond that might find themselves rooting for Honest Abe to rid our country of a fanged scourge.

'Seeking a Friend for the End of the World'

Focus Features

Box Office: $7 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 55% Rotten
Storyline: When news of a world-ending asteroid hurtling towards Earth breaks, Dodge's (Steve Carell) wife ditches him and he decides to seek out his high school sweetheart before the world ends. Accompanying him on his journey is Penny (Keira Knightley), the neighbor he never really knew whose impact on his life will be greater than any space rock.
Extras! Both the DVD and Blu-ray contain several behind-the-scenes featurettes, including one in which Carell, Knightley and other stars of the film discuss what songs would make their playlist if the world were to end.
We Say: There are plenty of unexpected romance movies out there, but this one has the pressure of a ticking clock, which makes matters more interesting. Carell and Knightley sell it with their charming banter and easy chemistry.

'Blade Runner' 30th Anniversary Collector's Edition Blu-ray

Warner Bros.

Box Office: $33 million
Rotten Tomatoes: 92% Fresh
Storyline: Ridley Scott's seminal sci-fi masterpiece stars Harrison Ford as Deckard, the titular cop assigned to hunt down several rogue Replicants (synthetic humans with a four-year lifespan) that have escaped from the Off-World colonies and returned to a rain-soaked, neon-lit Los Angeles in 2019 in search of more life from their creator, Dr. Tyrell. Rutger Hauer, Daryl Hannah, Joanna Cassidy and Sean Young appear as the Tyrell Corporation-created "more human than human" beings that force Deckard to reconsider the meaning of life.
Extras! This new Blu-ray edition features all four versions of the film on one seamless-branching disc and Ultraviolet digital copies for the first time. All the previous extras are included on a separate bonus disc, plus this Collector's Edition comes packaged with a new Spinner car and a 72-page art production book with never-before-seen Scott sketches, poster art and photos from the set.
We Say: Although underappreciated during its initial release in 1982, "Blade Runner" has become one of the most influential science-fiction films of all time and Scott's darkly beautiful vision of a futuristic Los Angeles will still take your breath away. The movie has been on a ten-month moratorium from home video, but Warner Bros. has brought it back with an out-of-this-world new package that "you people wouldn't believe."

Also New This Week:

"Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection"
"Secret of the Wings"
"I, Robot" Blu-ray 3D
"Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines"
"Take This Waltz"

Getty Images

Alex Pettyfer is packing his bags for sunny "Cali."

The "Magic Mike" star is getting dressed and heading out for his new gig as he joins Kristen Stewart in the '90s-style thriller, "Cali," according to Variety.

"Cali" tells the Tarantino-esque tale of Mya (Stewart) and Chris (Pettyfer), two lovebirds who skip town with a bundle of cash after selling a fake snuff film. Years later, Mya's quest to save the younger sister she left behind requires a return to the San Fernando Valley, where she and Chris must face a whole slew of freaks and psychos.

No word yet on whether they'll also be guided by a ghostly rock star mentor played by Val Kilmer.

K.Stew has been attached to the flick since late April, which means it's taken a few months to find just the right love interest for the "Snow White" star. Pettyfer had stumbled a bit with the likes of "Beastly" and "I Am Number Four" but is back at the frontlines after his amiable turn in "Magic Mike." He also recently signed on to appear in both "The Butler" and "Diamond Dogs."

Kristen Stewart and Alex Pettyfer? Well, we can definitely see it more than Kristen Stewart and Rupert Sanders.

Production on "Cali" will commence at the end of the summer under the direction of Nick Cassavetes, who will no doubt be taking the grittier approach of "Alpha Dog" over the ultra-produced prettiness of "The Notebook" on this one.

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In the latest movie ladies are screaming over, "Magic Mike," Mike (Channing Tatum) is an entrepreneur and aspiring custom furniture designer by day, and an exotic, headlining dancer by night.  As Mike takes 19-year-old Adam (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing, he meets Adam's sister, Brooke (Cody Horn) and is smitten. Unfortunately, Mike has to prove to Brooke that he's "not his lifestyle" and that there's more to him than his smoldering looks and sexy body (about time those tables were turned, right girls?).

But even if clothing is discouraged at Club Xquisite, we still have much to discuss in our latest Get the Goods. Ladies, get ready to try and convince your man to rock some of these skin-bearing looks. Meanwhile, gents, open up your mind and don't shy away – it could pay off in the end.

Alex Pettyfer seems to be everywhere these days, and we certainly don't mind.

Plus, we already know we're gonna see a lot more of Alex in this week's "Magic Mike." The British actor plays a male stripper trying to learn the craft and live the good life with the help of the title character played by fellow hot person Channing Tatum.

Recently named the Superstar of Tomorrow at the Young Hollywood Awards, Alex is sure to star in many more movies in the future, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Check out his Hot People Looking Hot Gallery, and you'll see why.

Warner Bros.

Ladies, let's be honest. There may be a slew of superhero, comedy and alien movies hitting theaters this summer, but we all know the movie you're really dying to see is "Magic Mike." And with some of the hottest bods in Hollywood stripping down to their skivvies in the movie, who could blame you?

But now you've got a tough choice to make. Whose striptease are you most excited to see in "Magic Mike"? Learn a little about each character and see their steamy pics from the movie, then vote in our poll below.

Warner Bros.

Channing Tatum as Magic Mike

Channing Tatum plays the title character in this movie said to be based on his experiences as a stripper before he began his acting career (although Tatum's strippermates say otherwise). Though Magic Mike has many odd jobs during the day, at night it's time for "magic" as he headlines an all-male revue at Club Xquisite.

Warner Bros.

Alex Pettyfer as The Kid

As a 19-year-old newbie at Club Xquisite, The Kid turns to Magic Mike to learn the art of stripping. We're going to guess he's a fast learner.

Warner Bros.

Matthew McConaughey as Dallas

Dallas is the legendary owner of Club Xquisite who's rarely seen without a cowboy hat, even when he's not wearing much else. Alright, alright, alright.

Warner Bros.

Matt Bomer as Ken

Staying true to his character's name, Matt Bomer is pretty much a Ken doll come to life in "Magic Mike." He even undresses himself so you don't have to.

Warner Bros.

Joe Manganiello as Big Dick Richie

Need we say more?

 
Pick your poison below:

Sorry, everyone — the men of "Magic Mike" didn't wear their costumes (or lack of them) to their big Hollywood premiere.

Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey and other "adult entertainers" kept it all on as they walked the red carpet in celebration of director Steven Soderbergh's modern-day fable about male strippers. While not much skin was shown, there were still plenty of prime photo ops.

Stick a virtual dollar bill into the underpants of our collection of premiere pics, and get down with "Magic Mike" when it opens in theaters on June 29.

Getty Images

Who isn't starring in Lee Daniels' "The Butler?"

"Magic Mike" hottie Alex Pettyfer has now joined the cast of the "Precious" director's all-star line-up, taking on a character named Thomas Westphall, who helps shape the life of Eugene Allen, the real-life White House butler for eight consecutive presidents upon whom the film is based, reports Deadline.

Filming on the project is expected to begin in mid-July in New Orleans, so that pretty much puts the nail in the coffin of any last-minute hopes that Alex Pettyfer might still nab the role of Finnick Odair in the first "Hunger Games" sequel, "Catching Fire." We didn't think it'd happen anyway, but now it's all but certain he won't do the movie.

"The Butler" stars Forrest Whitaker in the lead as the titular character, and the movie also features David Oyelowo, Oprah Winfrey, Alan Rickman, Jane Fonda, John Cusack, Matthew McConaughey, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Lenny Kravitz and Terrence Howard. That's quite a bevy of Hollywood heavyweights. Pettyfer's in good company, then.

Hot People Looking Hot: Alex Pettyfer

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Alex Pettyfer has been pulled out of the oxygen tent and asked for the latest party.

The "Magic Mike" star has signed on for "Diamond Dogs," a movie that, despite that fun bit of lyrics-quoting above, doesn't look like it has anything to do with David Bowie's 1974 concept album (or song) of the same name, according to Variety.

Bowie's album was produced as an alternative to his planned stage musical production of "1984" after he was denied the adaptation rights by George Orwell's estate. The songs describe a glam totalitarian post-apocalyptic world — a far cry from the premise of the film of the same name, which deals with a popular high school quarterback (Pettyfer) whose life is turned upside down after he accidentally kills someone, a crime that the local sheriff — who also happens to be his father — is covering up.

"Diamond Dogs" (the movie) is actually based on the crime novel of the same name by Alan Watt and is set to be directed by Pascal Chaumeil, who recently called the shots on the French comedy, "Heartbreaker," after serving as Luc Besson's second unit director on "Leon," "The Fifth Element" and "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc."

Alex Pettyfer's recent credits include "I Am Number Four," "Beastly" and "In Time." He'll soon be seen under the wing of master male stripper Channing Tatum in Steven Soderbergh's "Magic Mike," opening June 29.

Production on "Diamond Dogs" should commence sometime this fall after Chaumeil wraps "Fly Me to the Moon," an action-adventure starring Diane Kruger.

Summer isn't just the season for blockbusters. It's also the time of beefcakes. Oh sure, good-looking men abound in movies all year, but there's something about the hottest months that really brings them out, takes off their shirts, and makes them run, leap, and roll in slow motion.

This year seems especially easy on the eyes. We have the usual slate of superheroes (all of whom look fantastic in their capes and codpieces), soldiers and assassins, but with the extra spice of an android, a vampire, a medieval warrior, and a whole stable of male strippers. Any one of those is enough to make the season, but the combination is enough to make you glad theaters are air conditioned.

For now, here's a preview of summer's sexiest men to keep you feeling the heat until May and beyond.

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Calm down, folks. Just because the actor behind everyone's favorite tenderhearted werewolf is in talks to join Steven Soderbergh's film about male dancers doesn't mean you can go all crazy like you're at Hunkamania or something.

Stop throwing dollar bills at your computer screen. Joe Manganiello hasn't even made it official that he's trading his lumberjack wardrobe for a banana hammock!

EW reports that Manganiello is in talks to play Big Dick Richie. Yes, you read that right. Big. Dick. Richie. Worst stage name or best stage name? He'd be joining Channing Tatum, whose real-life experience as a male dancer inspired Steven Soderbergh to give up his retirement plan, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer, and Matthew McConaughey-hey in this "Saturday Night Fever"-flavored film.

This begs this question -- will we get to the bottom of those rumors about Pettyfer's "Thank You" tattoo? And what else is there to see of Manganiello after "True Blood"? Well, rumor has it that Soderbergh, who gave Sasha Grey her first mainstream acting gig in "The Girlfriend Experience," isn't going to shy away from frontal ween, so perhaps he'll one-up Alan Ball in that department.

"True Blood" fans can rest assured that "Magic Mike" won't interfere with Alcide's future on the show, either. HBO has just ponied up for a fifth season of its bloody, gooey, naughty hit soap opera.

"Magic Mike" is on schedule to open next September, so keep it in your pants until then.

And Channing Tatum, consider yourself off the hook for "She's the Man" and "Dear John."

Getty Images

Matthew McConaughey is about to get naked for his art.

Well, he'll at least be watching over people who do, as the "Lincoln Lawyer" star has signed on to play the owner of a strip club in "Magic Mike," according to Variety.

McConaughey will play Dallas, a former exotic dancer who now owns Xquisite, the venue that employs male strippers Magic Mike (Channing Tatum) and his young protege (Alex Pettyfer).

Steven Soderbergh is directing the drama inspired by Tatum's own experiences as a male stripper in Tampa.

Matthew McConaughey has been enjoying quite the career resurgence as an indie actor since his acclaimed performance in this year's "The Lincoln Lawyer." He's currently filming Lee Daniels' thriller "The Paperboy" and recently signed on to play the title role in Jeff Nichols' drama, "Mud."

McConaughey will next be seen in Richard Linklater's "Bernie" and William Friedkin's "Killer Joe," both of which are currently looking to lock down a release date in 2011.

"Magic Mike" begins shooting this fall and will take it all off in theaters sometime in 2012.

CBS Films

Considering it's a tale as old as time and a song as old as rhyme, chances are you probably think you already have a pretty good grasp on the whole beauty and the beast thing. But if you made the mistake of skipping "Beastly," the updated, modernized take on the story that hit theaters earlier this spring, we've got news for you: you ain't seen nothing yet.

Which is where we come in.

In case you missed it the first time around, we're giving you the chance to catch up on everything "Beastly," as we're giving away a copy of both the DVD and the original novel by Alex Finn. Now that prize is a real beauty.

Here's the scoop: "Beastly," which is based on Finn's original novel, tells the story of a guy (super hottie Alex Pettyfer) who is cursed to bear a hideous facial tattoo until he finds the true love of a cute and sassy modern gal (Vanessa Hudgens).

It's got everything a movie fan could need -- romance, horror, love and angst -- and thanks to the many extras on the DVD, including deleted scenes and an alternate ending, it actually has more than you need. Add in the novel and you're pretty much looking at the ultimate "Beastly" gift package.

So enter to win. Because "Beastly" proves that some stories are timeless no matter how many versions you may have seen before.

To enter, just shoot us an email at NextMovie@MTV.com and include your name, address, birthdate and be sure to copy and paste the following statement:

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DreamWorks

Cinematic aliens, for the most part, like to sow terror once they arrive in our midst -- think of the acid-blooded "Aliens," the people-mulching tripods of "War of the Worlds," the uber-hunter in "Predator," and "Gerard Depardieu."

Aliens that do come in peace are usually too otherworldly to be compatible for romance -- no one wants to date "ET." But every now and then, a humanoid alien lands, looking hotter than the two suns over Tatooine, and we can't blame anyone for wanting to visit the dark side of the moon with them.

Starting with Alex Pettyfer's gorgeous extra-terrestrial in "I Am Number Four" (now on DVD and Blu-ray), here are nine movie aliens we'd definitely hook up with -- as long as we could stay alive afterwards.

John Smith (Alex Pettyfer), 'I Am Number Four' (2011)

He's blond, broody, and has super-sexy scars. If that's not enough to make Pettyfer's Lorien-born "John Smith" an extraterrestrial teenage dream, he also has some useful skills -- he runs fast, jumps high, and shoots light beams from his hands. As Dianna Agron's small-town beauty discovers, Smith is also a brave, young gentleman. If only he didn't arrive with such baggage -- metalhead-looking sadistic aliens trying to kill him -- he'd be perfect.

DreamWorks

Sil (Natasha Henstridge), 'Species' (1995)

She's really a hybrid of alien and human DNA, but that's good enough for us. The ultimate femme fatale, Sil went through guy after guy looking for a suitable baby-alien-daddy. Those that didn't make the cut got cut -- like the guy Sil impaled with her tongue during a French kiss. Since some of us not-so-fondly remember our dates drooling over Sil, it's hard to find a better "hot alien" for this list.

Everett Collection

Starman (Jeff Bridges), 'Starman' (1984)

Decades before he was The Dude or Rooster Cogburn, Bridges played an alien clone of a widow's (Karen Allen) recently deceased husband. He's tenderhearted (he resurrects a dead deer!) and has abs to rival Matthew McConaughey's. Though he never quite masters English, he catches on to the ways of human love in a twinkle of a star -- "I give you baby," he tells Allen after just one bout of intergalactic union.

Everett Collection

Kitty (Tahnee Welch), 'Cocoon' (1985)

Tahnee is the daughter of legendary movie babe Raquel Welch, so, it's no surprise that she's irresistible to Steve Guttenberg's character, even if her body is just a shell disguising her inner alien. If you've never seen Ron Howard's awesome sci-fi tearjerker, let's just say you're missing one of the best inter-species love scenes ever. She peels off her skin, shows off her glowing alien life force, and makes Guttenberg a very happy man.

Everett Collection

Superman (Brandon Routh), 'Superman Returns' (2006)

He had a big cape to fill, but Routh managed to make the Bryan Singer-directed Man of Steel a sexy superhero for a new generation of smitten moviegoers. Routh is a Doppelganger to the previous Superman, Christopher Reeve -- all broad shoulders and imposing height -- and let's face it, who wouldn't want a date who could whisk you into the air, undress you with his eyes and carry you off into the sunset -- literally.

Warner Bros.

Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), 'The Fifth Element' (1997)

Jovovich's Leeloo is an alien savior sent to help humanity for once, so she's not only hot, she's on our side. Plus, it doesn't hurt that she can kick pretty much anyone's butt and spends most of the film wearing what looks like three strategically placed ace bandages. Despite all the skin-bearing, she's more Neytiri than Sil, and that's a good thing, boys.

Everett Collection

Princess Aura (Ornella Muti), 'Flash Gordon' (1980)

While Flash Gordon today is remembered largely for its campiness and Queen soundtrack, for boys of a certain age, Princess Aura brings back memories of the ultimate bad girl -- and not just because she's the daughter of the evil Ming the Merciless. Even though her royal sexiness had lovers stashed away in all corners of her planet, she tried to make room for one more, the titular football player and savior of the universe.

Everett Collection

Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), 'Avatar' (2009)

You've heard the smurf jokes, watched the hilariously bawdy "SNL" sketch, perhaps even donned the sexy Halloween costumes. But even though Neytiri's blue and prefers doing things with her tail, she’s still beautiful enough for us to believe that Sam Worthington's Jake would fall for the warrior princess. So what if she's a completely CGI creation? She is partly modeled after the beautiful Saldana, after all.

Fox

Superman (Christopher Reeve), 'Superman' (1978)

In his prime, the late Reeve was a gorgeous, strapping man, whose azure eyes and jet-black hair perfectly embodied the Krypton-born Kal-El. Raised on Earth as Clark Kent, he transforms into Superman whenever Metropolis needs a hero. Even if he didn't have heat and X-ray vision, the gift of flight, and superhuman strength, the comic-book icon would still be quite the catch in his tights and tall boots. Lois Lane was quite the lucky lady.

Everett Collection

Originally published Feb. 17, 2011.

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Rumor alert!

Buzz around Tinseltown is that Demi Moore has her eye on the role of Alex Pettyfer's (slightly older) seductress in Steven Soderbergh's new film about Channing Tatum's real-life pre-Hollywood stripper past.

E! Online reports that the nearly-fifty (!) beauty "met with Soderbergh at Soho House in West Hollywood last week to discuss the film, and she loved it. She's so excited about the role."

Tatum, who recently crossed into his thirties, won't be playing himself. Instead, Pettyfer will play the then-19-year-old male stripper, and Tatum will take on the role of Pettyfer's mentor, teaching his young protégée how to make it on and off the stage.

Moore will play an, er, love interest to the up-and-coming stripper.

Are you excited yet? 'Cause we sure are. This may end up being even better than "Striptease."

Tatum's close friend, Reid Carolin, is in the process of penning the script now—which reportedly has a "sexy, funny and shocking" vibe.

While nothing is confirmed yet, one thing is for sure: this is one rumor that we hope turns out to be true.

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A movie about two good-lookin' brothers who steal cars and raise the ire of a local crime boss in the South of France? Yeah, we'd see that movie.

The pitch speaks for itself, but it gets even better with news that Alex Pettyfer and Matthew Goode are in talks to play the two good-lookin' brothers in question in "Overdrive," according to Variety.

"Overdrive" will be produced by Pierre Morel, who knows a thing or two about raising hell in France after directing "Taken," the rescue/revenge pic in which Liam Neeson punches out and/or shoots every single person in the country as he tracks down his kidnapped daughter.

The film will be directed by up-and-comer Antonio Negret, who recently called the shots on the thriller "Transit," starring James Caviezel and Diora Baird.

Alex Pettyfer has had quite a busy week, as the "I Am Number Four" actor also just signed on to play a younger version of Channing Tatum (sort of) in Steven Soderbergh's male stripper opus, "Magic Mike."

Matthew Goode (who we thought was great as Adrian Veidt/Ozymandias in "Watchmen," no matter what anyone else says) was recently seen charming Amy Adams with his Irish-ness in "Leap Year" and just wrapped the relationship drama "Burning Man."

"Overdrive" will begin production this summer in Marseilles (ah, to make a movie in the south of France!) with a look toward a Summer 2012 release.

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Alex Pettyfer as Channing Tatum?

Actually, yes, sort of -- it's all a bit meta, so let's just take it one step at a time...

First of all, the "I Am Number Four" star has been cast as a young male stripper in "Magic Mike," which will be directed by the now-unretired Steven Soderbergh, according to Deadline.

Pettyfer's character is based on Channing Tatum's real-life experiences as an "exotic dancer," so in essence he'll be playing a young Tatum.

However, Tatum himself will be in the movie as well, playing the "Magic Mike" of the title, an older and experienced dancer who shows Pettyfer's young buck the ropes.  So it's almost like Tatum is going to be teaching his younger self how to be like him.

How postmodern! It's definitely a Soderbergh movie.

However you want to look at it, the fact is that we're going to get a movie in which Alex Pettyfer and Channing Tatum play male strippers. This should make many people very happy.

"Magic Mike" doesn't have a start date yet, though we're betting camera will roll sometime in the fall. Meanwhile, Alex Pettyfer will next be seen in "Now" (which has apparently been retitled "In Time"), co-starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried, opening Oct. 28.

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Last week we asked our readers, "Which rumored role should Alex Pettyfer actually take?"

Many of you weighed in and, alas, it's pretty fair to say Pettyfer is your ideal actor to play Jace Wayland opposite Lily Collins' Clary in the film version of Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments." In fact, 70 percent of you think so.

He's also not your pick to play Peeta -- only 7 percent of you are buying him as the romantic lead in "The Hunger Games" adaptations. This is probably just as well, seeing as we already pointed out the reasons why he shouldn't be Peeta.

Hopefully the lackluster box office of "I Am Number Four" hasn't tarnished his chances to play Jace, since he's "number one" in our book.

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Alex Pettyfer is undeniably pretty. So pretty, in fact, that movie studios -- to the delight of his fans -- have been vying to cast him in roles in highly anticipated YA fare such as Jace in "Mortal Instruments," Tom in "The Last Apprentice" and Peeta in "The Hunger Games."

But of the hot Brit's three potential roles, we're actually hoping that Pettyfer gets passed over for Peeta. There, we said it. Nothing personal, Alex, we just don't think you're right for such a critical role, especially in a movie franchise that could rival "Twilight" in terms of fan reach and box-office pull.

Sure, Pettyfer looks the part for a "Hunger Games" lead.  As anyone who has read Suzanne Collins' beloved dystopian thriller knows, Peeta Mellark is handsome and strong, with blue eyes, wavy ash-blond hair and a muscular build from years of hauling 100-pound bags of flour (he's a baker's son). But Peeta is much more than a pretty face atop a sculpted six-pack. He's charismatic, kind, honest, selfless and loving -- all with an intensity that bubbles just beneath the surface, and Pettyfer just couldn't pull that off that nuanced a role.

Here are five more reasons why Pettyfer should not be cast as "The Boy With the Bread."

Disney

He can't contend with the Katniss frontrunners. The short-list for "Hunger Games" protagonist Katniss Everdeen has reportedly narrowed down to a handful of talented young actresses, including no less than four Oscar nominees (Abigail Breslin, Jennifer Lawrence, Saoirse Ronan, and Hailee Steinfeld). The actor who plays Katniss's love interest needs the acting chops to help carry what could be the biggest YA franchise since that glittery vampire love story.  Based on his last two performances, in "I Am Number Four" and "Beastly," we're concerned that Pettyfer's not up to the task.

He's *too* hot. Seriously, it's distracting and not in a good way. If anything, it's Gale -- Peeta's rival for Katniss' affection-- who's more the heartthrob (but he's also olive-skinned, dark-haired and has lived a hard life of hunting and coal-mining -- so he's also not a good fit for Pettyfer). Looking at the slate of potential Katnisses, they're all lovely but not a one of them is a young supermodel type. Talent first, hotness second, please!

He's not yet a box-office draw. His back-to-back teen flicks haven't become hits. "Beastly" opened third this weekend and "I Am Number Four" has made just a tad more than $46 million in the past two weeks. We're not sure if the rumor he initially asked for $10 million to play Jace is true, but casting agents seem more in love with him than audiences.

He's overconfident. Perhaps it's the unalienable privilege of being that attractive, but the guy's hot and knows it. He was, after all, a model before he turned to acting. On-screen, he can't help but come off as cocky, seductive, and over-confident. Those traits describe a pivotal character in the second and third "Hunger Games" books (Finnick, for those of you who've read along), or better yet, Jace --the cocky, gorgeous demon-hunter from "The Mortal Instruments"--  but they do not describe Peeta.

He hasn't quite won over the critics. Yeah, we know there are plenty of popular, beloved movies and performers that have been dissed by critics. But "Hunger Games" director Gary Ross isn't some studio hack who's gonna make something just for the dollars. He's a respected filmmaker who's auditioning Serious Young Actresses, so all those "he's just a pretty boy" reviews should mean something to him. Variety critic Peter Debruge called Pettyfer "incapable of conveying... anguish." That's bad news considering Peeta faces death again and again.

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Who would be a good Peeta? We're fans of Lucas Till, who's already worked with one of our favorite frontunners for Katniss, Jennifer Lawerence, in the upcoming "X-Men: First Class." At 20, Till is still young enough to co-star opposite the potentially younger Katnisses like Hailee Steinfeld, Saiorse Ronan or Chloe Moretz. He looks like a guy who's strong enough to kill when absolutely necessary but who's sensitive enough to bake and paint and not be threatened by a girl who's much more kick-ass than he is.

If Katniss were played by an actress old enough to vote, such as Lawrence or Kaya Scodelario, we'd also support a consistent fan favorite, "Weeds" star Hunter Parrish. He can be surprisingly intense despite his innocent, youthful looks. But at 23, he's too old to cast with any Katniss who isn't already of age.

Ultimately, we hope the "Huger Games" powers that be will cast Katniss first and then audition the hell out of any potential Peetas (and Gales!) to see if the chemistry fits. And whatever the filmmakers do, they’d be well advised to ignore the fangirl clamor for Pettyfer, who could never be the Boy With the Bread.

Our "Hunger Games" Casting Wishlist

Bif Bang Pow

With "Beastly," "I Am Number Four" and all those popular novel adaptation rumors, Alex Pettyfer may well be the hottest thing going right now. And, while he has yet to say "yes" to any of those rumored upcoming projects, if you win our latest giveaway, he's sure to say yes to you. A lot.

He's a bobblehead, after all.

Mini-Alex comes covered in tattoos and all the other such effects of the witch's curse placed on him as Kyle Kingson. But worry not -- his throbbing muscles are also present and accounted for.

The creators of the doll, Bif Bang Pow, have provided us with 10, 7-inch Pettyfers for our giveaway, but, in the unfortunate event that you aren't one of the lucky few, they're available for purchase at Entertainment Earth.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

(Originally published on March 3, 2011, at 2 p.m. ET)

Sony

As of next year, three of America's most famous superheroes will be played by Brits: Superman (Henry Cavill), Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield), and Batman (Christian Bale). No, we're not going to protest out of some misguided jingoism (although we will point out the horror with which our friends across the Atlantic responded to Renee Zellweger playing Bridget Jones once upon a time).

We don't know if it's the popularity of rigorous youth drama programs or what, but the British are invading Hollywood at a rate that rivals the arrival of the Aussies in the late '90s. Looking at the more established young slate of English talent (Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, the Harry Potter trifecta, and Robert Pattinson to name a few), we say welcome to the next gen of Bright Young Brits.

Alex Pettyfer

Move over Robert Pattinson, Pettyfer is the new Prince of Young Adult adaptations. Fresh off his portrayal of a sexy alien in "I Am Number Four," he's now the heavily tattooed "ugly" lead in "Beastly," opposite Vanessa Hudgens – and he's being considered for nearly every upcoming teen page-to-screen adaptation, including "City of Bones," "The Hunger Games" and "The Last Apprentice." Soon it won't just be teens and Young Adult-reading adults who know about the blond and beautiful Brit.

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Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

She's a well-born model-turned-actress, but her blue-blood pedigree matters not to the legions of "Transformers" fanboys waiting to judge her performance in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" by how closely she can approximate her predecessor Megan Fox's hotness. She doesn't have any other films in production, but if things don't go as planned, she can always return to her titillating career as a Victoria's Secret model.

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Andrew Garfield

After this last awards season, it’s impossible to ignore the "Social Network" star, whose on-screen raging outburst made Justin Timberlake's Sean Parker flinch. He’ll next play Peter Parker in Matthew Vaughn's new "Spider-Man" flick. We're not sure what it is about Brits taking over our favorite Superhero films, but if it means more of Garfield (and Cavill), we're all for it. For more evidence of his serious acting chops, check out his brooding, intense performance in the English made-for-television "Red Riding" trilogy or the riveting indie drama "Boy A."

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Nicholas Hoult

Ages ago he was the blue-eyed, scene-stealing primary schooler from "About a Boy," but he happily grew into the bedroom-eyed scene-stealing bad boy in the first two seasons of the original, British "Skins." Since his breakout performance as Tony Stonem, Hoult has gone toe-to-toe with Colin Firth in "A Single Man," sword-to-sword with Sam Worthington in "Clash of the Titans," and mutant-to-mutant as a young Beast in the upcoming "X-Men: First Class."

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Kaya Scodelario

The broody brunette played Nicholas Hoult's wild-child younger sister Effy in two seasons of "Skins" before taking over his place as the main character in the third and fourth seasons. Off-screen, Scodelario has also been following in her fictional big brother's footsteps, taking a turn in "Clash of the Titans" and the acclaimed indie drama "Moon." She's set to play Catherine in English director Andrea Arnold's new "Wuthering Heights" adaptation, and she's a perpetual fan favorite to portray Katniss Everdeen in the much-hyped "Hunger Games" trilogy.

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Henry Cavill

The next Man of Steel hails not from a crowded metropolis but from Jersey in the Channel Islands between England and France. Cavill spent most of the last decade playing bit parts in period films, most notably baring all as the womanizing Duke of Suffolk on Showtime's "The Tudors." His come-hither performance, which People named "the Sexiest Courtier Alive," landed him the much-coveted role in Zack Snyder's "Superman" reboot.

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Lily Collins

The petite beauty broke into Hollywood as the high-school-aged daughter of Oscar winner Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side." But Collins is no Southern belle. The daughter of rocker-turned-composer Phil Collins, she has since scored leading roles in two thrillers, "Priest" with Paul Bettany and "Abduction" with Taylor Lautner, both of which roll out this year. She also snagged the better-than-Bella role of Clary in the "The Mortal Instruments" series, a potential "Twilight"-sized franchise.

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Tom Hardy

Turning in the stand-out performance in an ensemble thriller with Leo DiCpario, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page and Oscar winner Marion Cotillard sounds like a dream come true, but Hardy managed to steal the show in Christopher Nolan's "Inception." The hard-working Englishman (he's made 21 other films since his blink-and-miss introduction in "Black Hawk Down") is now one of Hollywood's most sought-after actors, with roles in five more action-dramas, including Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises."

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Imogen Poots

With such varied movies on her slate as the horror-comedy remake "Fright Night" (with Colin Farrell as the seductive vampire, of course) , the Mia Wasikowska-Michael Fassbender version of "Jane Eyre," and the vampire love-story "Hello Darkness," Poots could be the next Mia or Carey or Keira herself. She's got the looks, and after this year it will be obvious if she has the chops.

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Sam Claflin

Subscribers to premium cable network Starz might recognize Claflin as the valiant Richard from the Golden Globe-nominated medieval miniseries "The Pillars of the Earth." Claflin traded in his 12th-century knight's armor for 19th-century attire as a handsome young missionary (think Orlando Bloom replacement) that falls -- literally -- for a beautiful mermaid in an upcoming summer swashbuckler you may have heard of, "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."

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Aaron Johnson

In his home country, Johnson's a hardcore tabloid target for falling in love with, impregnating, and proposing to his much-older "Nowhere Boy" director, Sam Taylor-Wood, but in the rest of the world, he's best known for being one of the bad-ass young stars of "Kick Ass." The controversial blockbuster was a sleeper hit last year, and plans are underway for a sequel in 2012. In the meantime, Johnson will star opposite Glenn Close and Mia Wasikowska in Rodrigo Garcia's 19th Century Irish drama "Albert Nobbs."

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Hayley Atwell

Like many of her fellow Brits, Atwell popped up in costume dramas and miniseries for several years before winning the lead female role in the BBC-produced "The Pillars of the Earth." Since most Americans don't have Starz, it's safe to say her breakout performance will be in this summer's "Captain America: The First Avenger," in which she plays Peggy Carter, the patriotic hero's love interest. She's rumored to next appear in "The Great Gatsby" with Leo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan.

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Asa Butterfield

This not-quite-14-year-old has already appeared in four movies: the indie action-comedy "Son of Rambow," the Holocaust weepie "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," the family sequel "Nanny McPhee Returns" and the horror remake "The Wolfman." But Butterfield is poised for Serious Stardom with his next film, as the titular orphan in Martin Scorsese's period drama, "Hugo Cabret," opposite Jude Law, Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley, and American wünderkind Chloe Moretz.

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Juno Temple

She's not well-known in America yet, but after 17 films, she's already worked with Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench ("Notes on a Scandal"), nominees Keira Knightley, James McAvoy and Sairose Ronan ("Atonement") and comedians Jack Black, Michael Cera ("Year One") and Ben Stiller ("Greenberg"). We think 2011 is her year, with key roles lined up in Matthew McConaughey's "Killer Joe," the "Three Musketeers" and as one half of the titular lesbian couple in the indie "Jack and Diane."

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Jamie Campbell-Bower

He first played the lovesick young sailor in Tim Burton's Oscar-nominated musical "Sweeney Todd, " then landed supporting roles in two of Hollywood's biggest movie franchises. He's Caius the vampire in the "Twilight" saga and Grindelwald the legendary wizard in the final "Harry Potter" films. Apparently he can't get enough of period costumes: Campbell-Bower makes his prime-time debut next month as a young King Arthur in the sexy new Starz series, "Camelot."

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We feel you, "Hunger Games" fans. After months of speculations, rumors and gossip but no real casting news, it can be a bit frustrating to be a young adult-reading moviegoer.

But when Alex Pettyfer chatted with MTV News for his new movie "Beastly," he playfully agreed with their recommendation that he should play fierce Jace Wayland in "Mortal Instruments" rather than romantic Peeta Mellark in the "Hunger Games" adaptions.

"Done, done... I will do what you say," he joked.

We agree with them both. For more of what Pettyfer said about those YA series adaptations, head to Hollywood Crush.

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After Lee Daniels took "Precious" from low-budget Sundance indie all the way to a Best Picture nomination at the 2010 Oscars, getting another project off the ground should have been a piece of cake. Post-Best Director nomination, Daniels circled "Selma," a racial period drama, "The Butler," an epic biopic starring Denzel Washington and an adaptation of the gritty Broadway musical "The Scottsboro Boys." Nothing seemed to come together.

Now, Vulture reports, Daniels is honing in on a project that's a little more Hollywood, a little less prestige and a whole lot more probable of getting the go-ahead from studios.

"The Paperboy" is a thriller from novelist Peter Dexter (apologies to all who, like me, thought our favorite NES game was finally getting the big screen treatment), centering on a young slacker who gets caught up in his big brother reporter's murder case. As one might suspect, mystery unfolds.

What really makes "The Paperboy" one to watch is the possible cast Daniels has lined up, including Bradley Cooper ("The Hangover," "A-Team"), Sofia Vergara ("Modern Family") and the unstoppable, early-20s force of Alex Pettyfer ("I Am Number Four"). Pettyfer and Cooper would play the brothers, while Vergara would play the wife of a death-row inmate.

Apparently the project is moving quickly to the starting gate, with Daniels both directing and rewriting an existing adaptation of the book. While his other independent projects slowly gestate and come together, "Paperboy" sounds like the perfect exercise to keep the intriguing director working.

DreamWorks

Pairing up the studly young Brit teen-dream Alex Pettyfer with the gleefully gorgeous Dianna Agron sounds like it could make for one of the most unforgettable movie romances in recent memory. Certainly one of the prettiest.

But better yet, "I Am Number Four" has aliens, explosions, gigantic beasts and a main character (Pettyfer's E.T. "John Smith") who can shoot lasers from his hands.

Before you head on down to the cineplex to watch "Number Four" in all its super-powered, intergalactic, high-school romantic glory, take a gander at these six fun clips from the movie.

1. Edgy Aussie beauty Teresa Palmer strips down a beach shack before setting it ablaze. We dare you to find any actress who can strut away sexier from an explosion like that... WE DARE YA!

2. John aggressively argues for his right to go to school, while his guardian Henri demands a call every hour, on the hour, to make sure he's safe and alive. And you thought you had it bad when your dad wanted me to call every night.

3. Creepster bully Mark tries to get a rise out of John as his hands flash wildly out of control in the middle of school. A good trick to keep in mind the next time you want to get out of class.

4. John and Sarah share an intimate moment in her bedroom, while he smoothly and calmly tells her a place is only good as the people you know in it. Awww.

5. After getting spotted on the internet, Henri demands that he and John ditch town and hit the road, but John refuses to lose Sarah that easily.

6. Say hello to my sexy Aussie friend! Number Six blows down high school hallway doors with her planetary grenade launcher and duels daggers against those ugly alien invaders.

Entertainment Weekly

• God bless the queen, and the U.S.A. Thanks to Entertainment Weekly we have a kinda, sorta, not really first look at British star Henry Cavill as "Superman."

• Looks like Jacob isn't Edward's only competition anymore. Hollywood Crush gives debates whether or not "I Am Number Four" star Alex Pettyfer is poised to take over Robert Pattinson's throne as king heartthrob.

• Dude, where's my Carrie? While Sarah Jessica Parker recently confirmed her desires to do a "Sex and the City 3" in five years or so, Movieline offers some funny ideas for possible titles. We're particularly fond of "Carrie Bradshaw: The First Avenger."

• These just might be the best (Tom Hanks-inspired) thank you notes ever. T.Hanks, Blue Barnhouse.

• They worked hard in those Marvel suits, and now it's time to play with their marvelous toys. See pics of Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley playing with their respective Captain America, Thor and Transformers toys, courtesy of Hasbro.

DreamWorks

We were vaguely aware of British actor Alex Pettyfer when he was chosen to portray the title character in "Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker" in 2006, alongside Ewan McGregor and Robbie "Hagrid" Coltrane. But since Pettyfer was cast in dual Young Adult adaptations "Beastly" and "I Am Number Four," we've been seeing his name everywhere -- in fan page fantasy cast lists, on our Twitter feed, even in PEOPLE, where his alleged engagement to co-star Dianna Agron was reported. (Reps for the couple have since denied the development.)

We spoke to Pettyfer in advance of "I Am Number Four"'s release this Friday, and though he didn't clear up the conflicting rumors about his next big gig -- or where his relationship with his "Glee" star girlfriend is headed -- he had a few interesting things to say about both.

Did you get around to reading "I Am Number Four?" I know you've said you were staying away from it while shooting the movie.
I didn't want to read it while I was filming -- plus, it was just a manuscript, so the spelling was bad. And it had writing all over it. But yes, I have now.

I'm a fan of the book, but I was still surprised by the level of nuance in the movie's characters. Teen movies so often tell-don't-show a character's appeal; they inform you the person's dreamy and call it a day. In "Number Four," Sarah's (Agron) character is so multi-dimensional,  you understand John's (Pettyfer) attraction to her. Did that make it easier to play him?
She's just this classic movie star... who wouldn't fall in love with Dianna? It was weird -- as a character, you have to be mysterious but later you have to be vulnerable. I think because they were both outsiders as well, he and Sarah connected. Because of what was going on in their lives.

You worked on your American accent with a voice coach and I failed to catch you with a single British vowel in the movie. Were there any words that gave you a lot of trouble?
Telekinesis.

That's problematic for your character... who is telekinetic.
Yes. Sometimes it's hard.

I think the biggest power was really me doing an American accent, screw the telekinesis. John has an English accent and his power is to turn into an American.

For weeks, there have been conflicting rumors about your next gig -- you reportedly signed a deal to star in "Mortal Instruments," and then "The Last Apprentice." And, of course, you're a name that keeps popping up on "Hunger Games" fan sites as a favorite to play Peeta.
I didn't even know that. Aren't I too old? Is "Hunger Games" a big book?

It's amazing.
I've read the books, I just didn't know if it was a big thing.

Speaking of big books - now that they're wrapping up: "Twilight" or "Harry Potter?"
(Whispers)

You whispered that so my recorder wouldn't pick it up. People, he said "Harry Potter."

CBS Films

The "High School Musical" princess Vanessa Hudgens is dolling up for another Disney classic. 

In this clip from the upcoming Beauty and the Beast revamp, "Beastly," Vanessa dwells on her past romantic struggles as "I Am Number Four" star Alex Pettyfer tries to comfort and console her. Oh yeah, that's still definitely the studly Pettyfer underneath all those nasty scars and tattoos.

For the exclusive clip and all your other "Beastly" goodness, head on over to MTV News.

DreamWorks

Alex Pettyfer has built his burgeoning career on the backs of young adult novels -- the British actor has already appeared in "Stormbreaker," "Beastly" and "I am Number Four," which opens Feb. 18. All signs point to at least one more YA adaptation, but good luck getting the 20-year-old troublemaker to admit which one.

"I'm not doing either at the moment. I'm not attached, I just got the offers," he tells NextMovie, regarding "The Mortal Instruments" and "The Seventh Son" (formerly known as "The Last Apprentice").

"True Grit" star Jeff Bridges has signed on to take the lead in "The Seventh Son," and it's a casting coup that gives Pettyfer pause.

"He's the Big Lebowski," Pettyfer says. "He's The Dude. And Julianne Moore... it  has some really incredible actors who want to be attached. I don't know, I just got to figure it all out."

But he plays coy when it comes to "The Hunger Games..."

"I've read the books," he claims. "I just didn't know if it was a big thing. Is it bigger than 'Mortal Instruments?'"

Then Pettyfer asks us to retell the entire plot of the series, interjecting questions that make it clear he's never so much as picked up a copy of "The Hunger Games" -- or has he? While we're talking to Pettyfer, news that he admitted taking a meeting with "Hunger Games" director Gary Ross hits the web.

We suspect it's possible that Pettyfer protests too much and his shady behavior is  just a ruse to throw us off the scent. But whether he plays a Shadowhunter, an apprentice or a just a baker's son, he'll be riding the YA train a little longer.

"I really like young adult adaptations," Pettyfer says. "I'm 20. When I'm 30, I'll do 'Fight Club'... if I get the opportunity."

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The race for the next big young adult fantasy franchise is in full swing, and one team just nabbed the A-List gravitas of Jeff Bridges.

According to Just Jared, the Oscar-winning actor has joined a big screen version of "The Seventh Son," based on the novel "The Last Apprentice" by Joseph Delaney. "Number Four" Alex Pettyfer and Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence are in talks to join him.

Bridges will play The Spook, a warrior of dark magic who takes on Tom Ward (potentially Pettyfer) as an apprentice and teaches him how to fight off ghosts, witches and the like. If all is right in the world, Bridges will end up growing a beard crazier and more mangled than his "Tron Legacy" look.

So far, the "Wardstone Chronicle" stories span eight books, but whether Bridges is in for the long-haul or there for a boost of star power necessary to launch the franchise is unknown. It may be up to the almighty dollar.

Pettyfer can next be seen in this month's "I Am Number Four," while Lawrence, who would play a witch in "Seventh Son," will be seen in "X-Men: First Class."

With all the familiar faces, the fantasy flick chould be a contender on par with "The Hunger Games" and "Mortal Instruments" for heir to the "Twilight" and "Harry Potter" throne.

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Alex Pettyfer is pretty hot right now.

Of course, fangirls will be happy to point out that budding English superstar is always pretty hot, but consider this: in addition to starring in the "Beauty and the Beast" remake, "Beastly," and the upcoming adaptation of the young adult novel, "I Am Number Four," which is poised to become a major franchise, he also was recently rumored to be getting the lead in the upcoming adaptation of the young adult novel "The Mortal Instruments," which also is poised to become a major franchise. And now?

Well, according New York Magazine, he's now been offered the lead role in the upcoming young adult adaptation "The Last Apprentice," which is poised to become a major franchise.

The only problem? One of these things has got to go. But which one?

The answer, it seems, is Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments," which sadly is not about a group of sentient trombones but rather tells the story of two teenagers chosen by fate to become the next generation of secret super-powered demon hunters. Pettyfer has long been rumored to be a lock for the role of lead demonologist Jace Wayland.

Now, however, that appears to be out the window, as Pettyfer has reportedly been offered the lead role in "The Last Apprentice" instead, a series which has nothing whatsoever to do with Donald Trump. Instead, the first book in Joseph Delaney's Wardstone Chronicles series follows the adventures of an 18th century teenage hedge wizard. And while the folks making "The Mortal Instruments" have also put cash on the table for Pettyfer, the actor is said to be leaning towards "The Last Apprentice" instead.

So there you have it: everything is settled. Unless, of course, someone offers Pettyfer a role in, say, "The Hunger Games" (ahem, Peeta!). Then all bets are off.

Because we hear the upcoming adaptation of that young adult novel is poised to become a major franchise -- and that's something Pettyfer seems just perfect for.

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With Harry Potter out of Hogwarts and the "Twilight" film franchise wrapping up next year, movie studios are on the prowl for the next high-concept saga that will appeal to all ages.  Of course, to studio executives, "all ages" translates to "teens" - the most coveted demographic of all.

Now, another new candidate has emerged for the the title of fantasy adventure blockbuster of summers future in the form of "The Mortal Instruments."

Vulture reports that Screen Gems is looking to sign former British model-turned-actor Alex Pettyfer for the lead role in their film adaptation of Cassandra Clare's supernatural love story.

The books, which can be described to the older folks as sort of a "Twilight with demons," involve a teenage girl who becomes mixed up with a group known as the "Shadowhunters" who find and kill demons on the streets of New York City.

Execs at the studio have reportedly been keeping a close eye on Disney's upcoming adaptation of the James Frey and Jobie Hughes young-adult sci-fi novel "I Am Number Four" and are convinced Pettyfer is the next big thing - so much so that the word is if the actor turns down the role, the whole "Mortal Instruments" project will be canceled entirely.

In addition to "I Am Number Four," Pettyfer also has "Beastly" due in theaters this year.  If all goes well getting Pettyfer to sign on the dotted line, Screen Gems plans to start shooting the film in March for release next year.

So take down those old BOP and Tiger Beat Zac Efron centerfolds you still have up and re-arrange the Taylor Lautner posters - you'll likely need new wall space very swoon -- we mean, soon.

Warner Bros.

There are only so many Will Smiths and Natalie Portmans to go around, and as much as Hollywood producers would love to cast them in everything (for reals, Portman's in like 100 movies this year) they have to eventually take a chance on some fresh faces. 

But which of those faces have the appropriate level of freshness? Our handy guide will let you know exactly which ponies to bet on (like "Sucker Punch" lead Emily Browning, left) as we scour through the wheat and the chaff to predict the most promising breakout success stories of the year to come. 

Hayley Atwell

Paramount

To Be Seen In: "Captain America: The First Avenger" (July 22) 

NextFactor: This stunning Brit brunette first caught our eye as the femme fatale in Woody Allen's dark drama "Cassandra's Dream," then continued to turn heads as a corset queen in "The Duchess." She won't be the only bombshell on screen when she plays Peggy Carter, the World War II gal-pal of Marvel's Star Spangled Avenger (Chris Evans). 

Emily Browning

Legendary Pictures

Starring In: "Sucker Punch" (March 25) 

NextFactor: "She's going to break a million hearts." That's what no less than Jim Carrey said of Browning when at age 16 she co-starred with ol' rubberface in "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events." This could be the year the prophecy comes true when the ethereal actress flashes those doe-eyes, a piece, and a samurai sword in Zack Snyder's berzerker action-fantasy hybrid, "Sucker Punch." 

Asa Butterfield

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Starring In: "Hugo Cabret" (Dec. 9) 

Next Factor: After winning heaps of praise in 2008 for the lead role in Holocaust drama "The Boy in Striped Pyjamas," this lad of only 13 years has landed the second plum role of his career, the title character in Martin Scorsese's "Hugo Cabret." Based on the stellar young adult novel by Brian Selznick, the movie blends magic, mystery, and real-life cinema history, and will showcase Butterfield in 3-D. 

Jay Chou

Sony

Starring In: "The Green Hornet" (Jan. 14) 

Next Factor: This Taiwanese music superstar is so lauded in Asia that a special denotation ("Chou Style") was created for his brand of cross-genre pop. Now he is poised for international film superstardom playing Kato, the flashy sidekick to Seth Rogen's Green Hornet. Early indications suggest Chou's quiet-cool and martial-arts prowess steals the show, living up to the previous incarnation of Kato played by a little guy called BRUCE-FRICKIN'-LEE! Ka-Pow! 

Jamie Chung

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Starring In: "Suckerpunch" (March 25), "The Hangover Part II" (May 26) 

Next Factor: Former resident of MTV's "Real World: San Diego," Miss Chung is going to double your pleasure, double your fun with two minty-fresh blockbusters in a row (but not a sorority row). First up we'll see her kicking all sorts of android/dragon/zombie/giant samurai butt alongside Emily Browning in "Sucker Punch," then she'll sleaze it up with the wolfpack as Stu's fiancé in "Hangover II." This superstar-to-be already has action-packed "Premium Rush" in 2012. 

Lily Collins

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Starring In: "Priest" (May 13), "Abduction" (September 23) 

Next Factor: There's no jacket required to love the 21-year-old daughter of Genesis front man Phil Collins, who came into our line of scrimmage as Sandra Bullock's daughter in "The Blind Side." She'll pull double-duty opposite Paul Bettany's vampire slaying "Priest," and will be there when Taylor Lautner gets abducted (not by vampires). And there are even bigger things to come: She's also landed the lead character of Clara Fray in the 2012 "Mortal Instruments" book adaptation. 

Brooklyn Decker

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Starring In: "Just Go With It" (Feb. 11) 

Next Factor: This Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl and Esquire's 2010 "Sexiest Woman Alive" has been seeking to simultaneously conquer the worlds of both entertainment and hotness, and is doing a damn good job. After a few odd TV gigs, she's landed a key role in the Adam Sandler farce "Just Got With It," and then in 2012 she'll be screaming "You sunk my Battleship!" in theaters everywhere. 

Shiloh Fernandez

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Starring In: "Red Riding Hood" (March 11), "Skateland" (Jan. 25) 

Next Factor: One of the original contenders to play Edward Cullen, Fernandez will get a second shot to recreate gothic folklore with "Twilight" helmer Catherine Hardwicke as the male love interest to Amanda Seyfried in "Red Riding Hood." The model-turned-actor will also get to spread his indie wings as a Texan riding the disaffected teenage confusion train in "Skateland." 

Claire Foy

Relativity Media

Starring In: "Season of the Witch" (Jan. 7) 

Next Factor: Though the movie itself is pure camp silliness, Miss Foy emerges from "Season"'s B-movie forest unscathed, bringing far more intrigue and nuance than her seasoned co-stars, or Nicolas Cage's hairpiece. She almost comes across as a sweeter British Kristen Stewart, so when the time comes for the inevitable reboot ("Twilight Begins") we'll know who to turn to. Read Foy's NextFactor Q&A 

Dave Franco

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Starring In: "Fright Night" (Aug. 19) 

Next Factor: If his famous bro James is the modern-day James Dean, then Dave has inherited the looks of Montgomery Clift. What was going on in that womb? Dave has had notable bit parts in "Milk" and "Greenberg" but may step out of his brother's shadow in the remake of "Fright Night" opposite Colin Farrell. As scary as it may be, it can't be any scarier than these acting tutorials. 

Greta Gerwig

Magnolia Pictures

Starring In: "No Strings Attached" (Jan. 21), "Arthur" (April 8th) 

Next Factor: This former darling of the low-budget mumblecore scene blipped onto the radar last year for her sweet turn opposite Ben Stiller in "Greenberg." Now she'll parlay that easy charm into studio big-time as the token best friend in "No Strings Attached" and Liza Minnelli's role in the "Arthur" remake with badboy Russell Brand. If she follows in Minnelli's footsteps with a one-woman-show called "Greta!" then we'll start to worry. 

Chris Hemsworth

Paramount

Starring In: "Thor" (May 6), "Red Dawn" (TBA) 

Next Factor: This slab of Melbourne beefcake appeared briefly as the poppa of James T. Kirk during the opening of 2009's "Star Trek." Now he'll embody The God of Thunder himself as the eponymous "Thor," dishing out justice with his mighty hammer Mjöllnir, and continue Thor's reign of superhumanness into Marvel's 2012 "The Avengers." Somewhere in there he managed to shoot both "Cabin in the Woods" and the "Red Dawn" remake for ailing MGM, which has yet to set release dates for either. Boo. 

Nicholas Hoult

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Starring In: "X-Men: First Class" (June 3) 

Next Factor: We still remember him from "About a Boy" as the precocious 12-year-old opposite caddish Hugh Grant (is there any other kind of Hugh Grant?), yet Hoult is growing up fast and winning raves in films like "A Single Man." Now he'll get to flex his furry blue muscles as Beast in the latest "X-Men" spin-off. Our sympathies to Kelsey Grammer. 

Julianne Hough

Sony Pictures

Starring In: "Footloose" (Oct. 14) 

Next Factor: Any country music star who appears in a Snoop Dogg video, a Juicy Fruit commercial, and dates Ryan Seacrest is just asking for trouble, but since appearing in "Burlesque" last year Hough is looking to champion all media. The first high-profile role on her dance card is Craig Brewer's remake of "Footloose," so if all else fails she'll at least be one degree closer to Kevin Bacon. 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

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Starring In: "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" (July 1) 

Next Factor: Ooh la la! Rosie will put the color back in anyone's cheeks. When Michael Bay needed to prove how replaceable Megan Fox was to the "Transformers" franchise, he nabbed this lingerie model with no acting experience to play Shia's love object… er, interest in the battlebot threequel. She must have had a very impressive audition to win the role, but only Victoria knows her secret. (*wink*) 

Jeremy Irvine

DreamWorks

Starring In: "War Horse" (Dec. 28) 

Next Factor: Irvine came out of nowhere (well, a UK Disney Channel show) to take the reins of Steven Spielberg's "War Horse," a World War I adventure tale in which he plays the lead of a young boy who enlists in order to find his pal Joey, the title horse. Aside from noted Brit thesps (Emily Watson, David Thewlis), Irvine is carrying a flick from the biggest director in the world; someone has some major faith in this kid. 

Zoë Kravitz

Getty Images

Starring In: "X-Men: First Class" (June 3) 

Next Factor: The multi-talented progeny of Lenny Kravitz & Lisa Bonet (She can siiiiiiiiiing! She can aaaaaaaact!) has been making big moves in the indie world since bursting onto the scene in 2007. Now she's letting her freak-flag fly as acid-spitting winged insectoid mutant Angel Salvadore for the much-anticipated "X-Men" prequel. If all goes well she'll hop right into shooting the delayed "Mad Max: Fury Road." 

Rooney Mara

Getty Images

Starring In: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" (Dec. 21) 

Next Factor: This sharp 25-year-old beat out some of the top names in Hollywood for what might seriously be the most sought-after female role since Scarlett O'Hara: Lisbeth Salander in David Fincher's English-language remake of "Dragon Tattoo." It helped that she dominates every scene she had as straight-talking Erica Albright in Fincher's "Social Network," and we look forward to seeing her ride motorcycles, hack computers and solve crimes, i.e. "livin' the dream." 

Elsa Pataky

Getty Images

Starring In: "Fast Five" (April 29) 

Next Factor: Having just married Chris Hemsworth, does that make this Spanish actress a goddess by default? Elsa doesn't actually need any assist from Thor to fit that bill, as her beauty has been scorching international audiences for over a decade, and now her career will get a Diesel injection when she co-stars in the latest "Fast and Furious." Still too early to tell if she'll be around when they get to "Fast Fifteen" in 2025. 

Alex Pettyfer

DreamWorks

Starring In: "I Am Number Four" (Feb. 18), "Beastly" (March 18), "Now" (Sept. 30) 

Next Factor: Pulling triple-duty this year is blonde teen-idol in-the-making Pettyfer, whose lead role in the Spielberg-produced sci-fi action-adventure "I Am Number Four" could make this chiseled actor/model number one with the ladies. He'll also learn to be pretty on the inside with Vanessa Hudgeons in "Beastly," and then stops aging completely for the sci-fi thriller "Now." 

Noomi Rapace

Getty Images

Starring In: "Sherlock Holmes 2" (Dec. 16) 

Next Factor: Rooney Mara may get to play Salander in English, but this Swedish babe has already made that dragon tattoo her own in the original versions seen round-the-world. Rapace will run from many-an-explosion as a French Gypsy in the second of Robert Downey Jr.'s adrenaline-injected turns as Holmes, her first foray into Hollywood. If her continental English accent is as sexy as she is, we're in for a treat. 

BooBoo Stewart

Getty Images

Starring In: "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1" (Nov. 18) 

Next Factor: Although he only had a minor role in "Eclipse," Stewart's character Seth Clearwater becomes integral in the two-part "Twilight Saga" finale "Breaking Dawn" as both Jacob's second-in-command and an unlikely werewolf ally to Bella and Edward. That's good news for the 16-year-old actor/wrestler/singer/dancer/model. Team Clearwater, anyone? 

Aimee Teegarden

Getty Images

Starring In: "Scream 4" (April 15), "Prom" (April 29) 

Next Factor: Best known as Julie on "Friday Night Lights," Teegarden will be stalked and slashed by Ghostface in Wes Craven's 4th trip into post-modern meta-horror. She'll then take a (hopefully) more bloodless trip to Disney's "Prom" where she will no doubt learn life lessons about love, maturity, and limo rentals. 

Gemma Ward

Getty Images

Starring In: "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (May 20) 

Next Factor: Part of the wave of elfin, baby-doll featured models to hit runways in recent years, she was last seen as one of the three masked weirdos in "The Strangers," appropriately named "Dollface." She'll mince it up with Captain Jack in his latest pirate jaunt, playing a mermaid named Tamara. Whatever gets her closer to playing a Gelfling in a "Dark Crystal" sequel is fine by us. 

Kenny Wormald

Paramount

Starring In: "Footloose" (Oct. 14) 

Next Factor: "Wormald" definitely wins the "least likely superstar name" award. You have to wonder if his agents ever encouraged him to change it… But we digress. Wormald will step out into the lead in "Footloose," which he won after both Zac Efron and Chace Crawford bowed out. This professional dancer is gonna bring some pizzazz to a Tennessee town that don't like dancin', but don't forget, Kenny… JAZZHANDS!

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Two hot dudes. One incredible film.

The world will soon tremble when Alex Pettyfer and Matt Bomer team up for Andrew Niccol's sci-fi thriller, "Now." The two titans are joining Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried for what surely will be a hotness overload of atomic proportions.

According to Deadline, "Now" takes place in a future where the aging gene has been turned off and apparently everyone gets to look like an attractive twentysomething for the rest of their lives.

While "Now" is set up at 20th Century Fox, Alex Pettyfer is currently all the rage at DreamWorks as they're preparing him to headline another sci-fi thriller, "I Am Number Four," which the studio hopes will be the first installment in a very lucrative franchise.

Once upon a time, Brett Ratner was campaigning hard for Matt Bomer to be the next Superman. That obviously didn't work out, and the "Burn Notice" star has been waiting for a breakout role ever since.

Could "Now" be the vehicle that shoots Matt Bomer to the moon?  We'll find out soon enough, if not "Now" (yeh heh heh).

Meanwhile, Alex Pettyfer's "I Am Number Four" opens Feb. 18, followed four weeks later by "Beastly" on March 18.

Dreamworks

It's tough being a teenage alien, even if you do have a pretty girl by your side.

By now, you've seen the "I Am Number Four" trailer, which showed us that being a visitor from another planet involves engaging in dangerous high-speed chases with shadowy forces that want you dead.  It also sometimes involves shooting balls of energy out of your hands that causes dudes to slam into trees.

And then there are its gorgeous stars, Alex Pettyfer and "Glee"'s Dianna Agron. 

If the trailer left you exhilarated but wanting more (and you simply don't have the time to run to the store and pick up the book), you'll want to check out "Number Four Origins," a behind-the-scenes look at the movie that gives a few more hints as to what exactly is going on in-between all the running and leaping about. 

Pettyfer and director D.J. Caruso give more details on their sci-fi thriller as well as a look at scenes that weren't included in the trailer.  They don't give away too much, though -- just enough to leave you wanting even more.  Clever movie people, they are!

"I Am Number Four" opens Feb. 18, 2011.

Harper Collins

Who is Number Four? 

Whoever he is, someone (or something) wants him dead.  And now that Numbers One through Three have been killed, Four is the next in line. 

Yahoo! Movies has debuted the trailer to director D.J. Caruso's sci-fi thriller, and the movie looks to be one big awesome chase sequence, with perhaps a few breaks for teen kissing.  Alex Pettyfer ("Beastly") stars as the mysterious Number Four, who can do cool stuff like shoot energy balls out of his hands.

The film also stars Dianna Agron ("Glee") as Pettyfer's likely smooch partner, Kevin Durand as the villain hunting him down and Timothy Olyphant (nowhere to be seen in the trailer, alas) as his guardian and mentor. 

"I Am Number Four" is based on the first of six planned novels by Pittacus Lore, the collective name for authors Jobie Hughes and James Frey.  The film opens Feb. 18, 2011.