The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that British actor Hugh Laurie could play the villain in a new film by Brad Bird ("Ratatouille," "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol").

Laurie, who has now finished his work on "House," is apparently in talks to take part in this science fiction movie. If an agreement is reached, the actor will play alongside George Clooney, who has been linked to the project since last fall.

"Tomorrowland" is shrouded in mystery. It will explore a quest for extraterrestrial intelligence in a manner similar to Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The screenplay was co-written by Damon Lindeloff, who was behind the series "Lost" and the movie "Prometheus."