Actor picked to play Alex Rider

Alex Pettyfer is about to break into the big-time after he was picked to play teenage super-spy Alex Rider.

Alex will play the lead role in a film based on Stormbreaker, the first of Anthony Horowitz's best-selling books.

The 15-year-old was chosen ahead of 500 other young actors for the part in the £25m film, alongside Ewan McGregor.

Alex said: "This is going to be such a great experience for me. Alex is an amazing character leading this incredible life as a spy."

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Alex Rider books Stormbreaker Point Blanc Skeleton Key Eagle Strike Scorpia Ark Angel

Alex admitted that he was looking forward to acting with Ewan, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars films and their accompanying games.

"I'm not nervous at all but it will be a bit strange that one minute I'm playing a PlayStation game with Ewan McGregor in it and the next minute I'm standing next to him."

Loads of big Hollywood stars will be performing with him as well, including Mickey Rourke, Alicia Silverstone and Oscar-nominated Sophie Okonedo.

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The role is thought to be one of the toughest ever for a child actor, but Alex is ready for it.

He said: "I've already started ju-jitsu training and I plan to do as many of my own stunts as I can. The training is hectic but it's good fun."