The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision blog is reporting director D.J. Caruso will be taking the helm on the feature film adaptation of the upcoming science-fiction novel I Am Number Four by James Frey and Jobie Hughes. That’s right, an adaptation of a book not even on shelves yet.

DreamWorks originally acquired the rights to the film back in June 2009 with Michael Bay set to produce and possibly direct. The news debunks the latter; however, Bay remains on the project as producer as Caruso (Eagle Eye, Disturbia) comes on as director. Smallville creators Al Gough and Miles Millar wrote the screenplay for the film.

The first in a series of six books, Four follows the 15-year-old John Smith, one of nine alien survivors from the planet Lorien that fled to Earth after a hostile race known as the Mogadore attacked their homeworld. Disguised as a high school student, Smith discovers that the invaders have followed the Loric to Earth and have already killed three of his brethren. Next on the list, Smith must survive against those out to kill him and exterminate his race.

Screenwriting team Al Gough and Miles Millar (”Smallville”) have signed on to adapt “I Am Number 4″.  The film will be based on the unpublished science fiction novel written by Jobie Hughes and controversial “A Million Little Pieces” author James Frey.  The story involves a group of teenage alien refugees assimilating to high school on Earth when they discover that their home planet’s enemy is now hunting them on their new turf.  Michael Bay will be producing the project with a potential to direct.  More after the jump: