The controversial world of penny-stock trading is looking to capitalize on actor Shia LaBeouf’s reputation as a picker of controversial stocks — and is bringing its message directly to LaBeouf fans.

After boasting in a recent GQ article that stock picking has become his favorite pastime, a Web site that promotes penny stocks has begun running an ad on LaBeouf.net, a fan Web site dedicated to LaBeouf, who’s set to star in the September sequel “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.”

The Post reported a few weeks back that the 23-year-old star of the “Transformers” franchise recently touted gas-exploration company InterOil, saying its shares were poised for a run-up. The star was even using trader lingo as he talked up the stock, likely a direct result of his having spent time at several small Wall Street brokerages in preparation for his turn as a hedge fund trader in the movie.

However, LaBeouf’s career as a stock picker might be a brief one, as InterOil, despite the LaBeouf hype, has yet to produce any usable gas or oil after a seven-year search in Papua New Guinea.

Meanwhile, the media attention, combined with LaBeouf’s praise, has put InterOil smack in the middle of a massive bulls vs. bears debate on Wall Street. Supporters say it’s just a matter of time till InterOil strikes it rich, while critics argue the company is full of empty promises.