Ben Kingsley rejoins his Hugo co-star in Ender's Game

Although Hugo may be underperforming at the box office, there's been little question that Ben Kingsley gives yet another poignant turn, this time as pioneering filmmaker, George Melies. Maybe he sees his co-star, Asa Butterfield as some sort of lucky charm, because the two are set to work together again on yet another project that's going to have everyone's attention. THR reports that Kingsley is set to join Gavin Hood's adaptation of Orson Scott Card's epic science fiction novel, Ender's Game.

The story takes place in a future society in which children are bred to become great strategists and soldiers, in order to fight the constant threat by an insectoid race known as the Formics(or "Buggers"). Butterfield is set to play Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, a promising young recruit who receives special war training at Battle School.  Hailee Steinfeld is set to play Petra, Ender's most loyal friend, while Harrison Ford has been circling a role as Colonel Hyram Graff.

THR notes Kingley's role as "a legendary war hero presumed to be long dead". That sounds like Mazer Rackham, a hero from the previous Bugger conflict who becomes something of a mentor to Ender. He's described as being a half-Maori New Zealander, which should be easy to pull off for the chameleon actor. Production is set to launch in February for a March 15th 2013 release.