Roland Emmerich has acquired the rights for Emergence for his Centropolis Entertainment company, Digital Spy said citing Deadline.
The filmmaker has snatched up author Nic Kelman's pitch for the sci-fi movie.
Details of Emergence are scarce, but it is said to be a new take on the classic alien invasion story with "hot-button science elements".
Emmerich is best known for his blockbusters Independence Day, 2012 and The Day After Tomorrow.
His most recent project – the Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx-starring action movie White House Down – is due for imminent release.
He also has Singularity, two Independence Day sequels and a new Lawrence of Arabia TV miniseries in the works.
It is unclear which will be the director's next project.
