Based on the Alan Glynn novel, 'Dark Fields' focuses on an intelligence-giving super drug

Shia LaBeouf has landed the lead in "Dark Fields," a techno-thriller from Universal.

According to Variety, Neil Burger ("The Illusionist") will direct the project, which Leslie Dixon ("Hairspray") adapted from the 2002 novel by Alan Glynn.

Glynn's novel focuses on a young man who discovers the existence of a designer drug called MDT-48. The drug improves intelligence and sharpens your personality, but it also has some unfortunate side effects, not the least of which is its illegality.

Dixon, who acquired the book, will also produce. She's currently working on Universal and Platinum Dunes' remake of "The Birds."

LaBeouf, who had hits last year with "Disturbia" and "Transformers," has "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" opening in May, followed by the thriller "Eagle Eye."