There’s a new movie being developed on the life of Charles Darwin that actually has the potential to be good. It’s based on Randal Keyne’s book, Annie’s Box^{(amzn/b&n/abe/pwll)}, which is an excellent source that humanizes the man well. It also has a good cast so far, although, seriously, Jennifer Connelly is way too hot to play Emma Darwin — they’re going to have to dress her down quite a bit.

Husband and wife Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly have been cast as a married couple in an upcoming film titled Creation (previously known as Origin). The film tells the life story of Charles Darwin, the English naturalist who essentially came up with the idea of evolution. This biopic is being directed by Jon Amiel, of Entrapment and The Core, and has script penned by John Collee, of Master and Commander and Happy Feet. Bettany will play Darwin, while Connelly will play his wife Emma, which is a good fit considering they’re married in real life, too. Also part of the cast are Jeremy Northam, Toby Jones and Benedict Cumberbatch, however the role of of daughter Annie has yet to be announced.

Oscar winning producer Jeremy Thomas, who is developing the film, explains that “John Collee’s compelling script tells the remarkable story behind Darwin’s revolutionary theory and the foundation of a book that changed the world.” He adds, “we think of Darwin as an old man with a gray beard. The reality of our story is very different.” Creation will portray Darwin as a man torn between his love for his deeply religious wife and his own growing belief in a world where God has no place. The scientist finds himself caught in a struggle between faith and reason, love and truth. Collee’s script is based on the book “Annie’s Box” written by Randal Keynes. Shooting starts at the end of September in England.

I shall await its completion with anticipation. It better not be a wall stain.