Taylor Kitsch, who is best known for playing Gambit in WOLVERINE, has sunk the lead role in Universal’s boardgame-inspired BATTLESHIP, reports HEAT VISION. Peter Berg is the director.

Jon and Erich Hoeber’s script brings together Naval fleets from various countries to fight against an alien armada. Kitsch will play commander Alex Hopper, a maverick seaman.

Previously, HURT LOCKER’s Jeremy Renner was circling the project, but opted for Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest instead.

Berg is also producing alongside Film 44’s Sarah Aubrey, Hasbro's Brian Goldner and Bennet Schneir, and Scott Stuber.

Kitsch will next be seen as John Carter in Andrew Stanton’s JOHN CARTER OF MARS.