Alex Garland is a writer/director who found critical acclaim with the sci-fi thriller Ex-Machina last year. Garland is best known for writing the script 28 Days Later, which was directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire). Ex-Machina was Garland’s first time in the director’s chair and has since received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay as well as recently earned a Directors Guild of America honor for Best First-First Filmmaker.

It was recently announced that Garland would be directing his second feature film Annihilation. Garland adapted the screenplay from a novel that was written by Jeff VanderMeer. The novel follows a team of scientists who set out on a dangerous expedition to a secret location where the laws of nature do not apply. Oscar winner Natalie Portman (Black Swan) is slated to play the lead role with several other notable actors rumored to join. Garland has proven his ability to write and direct a successful motion picture, however this will be the first time that he takes on a film of this magnitude.

Annihilation is being produced at a considerably larger budget than his last film (Ex-Machina) and will require the use of much more special effects. Garland only recently began his career as a director and has quickly become a commanding force in the industry. Annihilation won’t be out in theatres until 2017, but it will be interesting to see if Ex-Machina wins the Oscar for best original screenplay at this year’s Academy Awards.