The newest movie rumor to start floating around the Internet involves, no surprise, an extremely high profile actor in an adaptation of an extremely high profile book (as do many rumors). However, this one seems so enticing that I couldn't help but share it with you, if for no other reason than it just sounds so appealing.
According to the movie news site Pajiba (and all of the other movie sites that picked up the story soon afterwards, Will Smith is set to play Charlie, the mentally disabled man who, as part of a grand science experiment, becomes an instant genius in a movie adaptation of the book Flowers for Algernon (Algernon is the mouse that undergoes the experiment before Charlie). This classic story has appeared in many forms, from plays to movies to radio, and on and on.
Pajiba also reports that Gabriele Muccino, who worked on both Seven Pounds and The Pursuit of Happyness with Smith will be directing this one as well.
Before you get excited, remember that this is currently just a rumor. We will do our best to confirm or deny this rumor as quickly as possible. Until then, enjoy thinking through the possibilities (Oscar role for Will Smith, anyone?).