Ne-Yo to Fight Aliens in 'Battle: Los Angeles'

© Chris Hatcher/PR Photos

Grammy Awards-winning singer/songwriter Ne-Yo is once again spreading his wings to the big screen. After nailing role in "Stomp the Yard" and "Save the Last Dance 2", the 29-year-old has been signed for an action sci-fi for Columbia Pictures, "Battle: Los Angeles", The Hollywood Reporter claimed.

In the movie which marks his highest-profile gig so far outside music, the "Closer" hitmaker is set to portray a corporal in a Marine platoon. He joins the line-up of cast that include "The Dark Knight" star Aaron Eckhart, "Fast and Furious" actress Michelle Rodriguez, "Prey" lead Bridget Moynahan and "World Trade Center" actor Michael Pena.

Beside Ne-Yo, other actors filling up the ensemble are Ramon Rodriguez, Taylor Handley, Cory Hardrict, Jadin Gould, Bryce Cass and Joey King. While Rodriguez, Handley and Hardrict are tapped to play members of the platoon, Gould, Cass and King are picked up to play kids trapped in a community center.

"Battle: Los Angeles" will be directed by "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning" helmer, Jonathan Liebesman. Revolving around a Marine platoon's encounter in the battle on the streets of Los Angeles against an alien invasion, the movie is produced by Neal Moritz. Planned for February 18, 2011 U.S. release, the movie will be shot in Shreveport and Baton Rouge, Louisiana beginning sometime this week.

A recipient of four Grammys and two BET Awards, Ne-Yo kicked off his career in movie when landing a part as Mixx in 2006's direct-to-video "Save the Last Dance 2". He then followed it up with a role in 2007's "Stomp the Yard" as Rich Brown. He recently worked on a deal to write and sing the closing song for Disney's upcoming "The Princess and the Frog".