Jake Gyllenhaal (Prisoners, Southpaw) has been doing superb work over the past few years and continues to show promise ever since the unfortunate Disney flop Prince of Persia, in 2010. He’s now attached to take the lead in the science-fiction project Life, with Daniel Espinosa (Safe House) set to direct. The film follows a space station crew on Mars that discovers a potentially advanced life-form, but soon they realize it could be very dangerous and are forced to take action.

Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) was previously set to star in the lead but due to the production timing of his recent Marvel film, he was forced to take the supporting role instead. It also has Rebecca Ferguson attached, who gained quick fame after playing opposite Tom Cruise in last year’s Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. So, the project definitely has a strong start, especially now by adding the talented Gyllenhaal to the mix.

The sci-fi film is written by the Deadpool scribes, Rhett Reese and and Paul Wernick. And even though Espinosa is coming off last year’s misfire Child 44, the way this one is lining should prove to be exciting. There’s no official release date yet but production should begin within the next few months.

Gyllenhaal can next be seen in Demolition, set for release on April 8th.