Just one day after the trailer for Alex Garland's sci-fi thriller Ex Machina was released, the filmmaker has signed on to write and direct Annihilation for Paramount.

Based on Jeff VanderMeer's novel of the same name, Annihilation centers on a team of four scientists who set off to explore a mysterious place known as Area X, which is cut off from all civilization. This will be the 12th expedition into Area X, with the story focusing on a biologist seeking the truth about why her husband disappeared, after the previous missions have ended with members committing suicide, being stricken with cancer or developing mental illnesses.

Paramount and producer Scott Rudin acquired the rights to Jeff VanderMeer's book trilogy known as "The Southern Reach" last year. The first book, Annihilation, was published in March, with the follow-ups Authority and Acceptance arriving in May and September.

Scott Rudin will produce along with Eli Bush, both of whom served as executive producers on Ex Machina, which is Alex Garland's directorial debut. No production schedule was given for Annihilation.

Alex Garland's previous writing credits include 28 Days Later, Sunshine, Never Let Me Go and Dredd 3D. He also wrote the novel The Beach, which was adapted by John Hodge and directed by Danny Boyle.