Callan McAuliffe has been cast in a lead role in the DreamWorks feature ''I Am Number 4," the Australian actor's representatives announced.

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The Steven Spielberg-Michael Bay-produced science-fiction action flick is to be directed by D.J. Caruso.

In the film, McAuliffe plays Sam, the best friend of Number 4, played by Alex Pettyfer.

Shooting is slated to start in Pittsburgh next week and to last through August.

McAuliffe, 15, then is expected to return to Los Angeles for the premiere of his U.S. film debut role as the romantic lead in Rob Reiner's "Flipped."

McAuliffe plays the lead in the award-winning Australian short film "Franswa Sharl," as well.

He also recently completed filming the lead role of Quick Lamb as a young teen in "Cloudstreet," a major Australian TV miniseries based on Tim Winton's book of the same name.

He previously appeared in the Australian TV series "Comedy Inc.," "Bluewater High" and "Packed to the Rafters."