Andrew Niccol’s latest high-concept sci-fi drama I’m.mortal is now speeding towards production, with the writer/director aiming to start shooting later next month. And now he hasCillian Murphy in final negotiations to join the cast.
The pic (with its oh-so-clever immortal pun title) is set in the near future, a world where thanks to science, the aging gene has been switched off and mankind can effectively live forever. But there’s a price. Because letting everyone keep on keeping on would result in an overcrowded planet, time is now a currency – if you’re rich and can afford a lot of it, you’re set for a long life. If not? You'll need to negotiate, beg, borrow or steal what time you can.
The thriller aspect kicks in when a poor man (Justin Timberlake, assuming he locks in a deal to sign on) is suddenly given a fortune. But the authorities are suspicious of his sudden wealth and he goes on the run, kidnapping a beautiful heiress (Amanda Seyfried) on the way.
And he’ll face dogged pursuit from the organisation known as the Timekeepers, who make sure everyone sticks to their allotted span. Murphy will play one of the group’s enforcers.