EXCLUSIVE
"The New Adventures of Old Christine" star Hamish Linklater will play a brainy scientist named Cal in Universal's "Battleship," the studio has confirmed to TheWrap.
Peter Berg ("Hancock") directs the action-adventure movie from a script by Jon and Erich Hoeber that adds an "alien invasion" element to the story, which revolves around an international fleet joining forces to battle a water-bound armada from outer space.
Taylor Kitsch and Alexander Skarsgard star as brothers with conflicting personalities, while Rihanna and Tom Arnold are also part of the eclectic cast.
Berg is producing with Film 44 partner Sarah Aubrey, Scott Stuber and Hasbro's Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir. Jeffrey Kirschenbaum and Anikah McLaren will oversee the project for Universal.
"Battleship" is scheduled to begin production at the end of the month in Hawaii, and Universal will release the film on June 18, 2012.
Linklater has previously been seen on the big screen in "Fantastic Four," and he next stars in Miranda July's upcoming drama "The Future."
He is represented by ICM and The Coronel Group.
