When you’re an Academy Award winning cinematographer/Christopher Nolan’s long-time Directory of Photography, you’re going to have the pick of the litter when you finally make the jump to directing. That’s why it must be nice to be Wally Pfister right now. Pfister’s first foray in the director’s chair will be for Transcendence, a science fiction film he’s helming for Alcon that is said to be in the same brainy vein of Inception and 2001. If that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, THR is reporting (via Slashfilm) that Johnny Depp has officially signed on to star in the film. And he’s not the only A-lister joining the cast. More after the break.

In addition to Depp, Pfister has reportedly met with and/or is considering Noomi Rapace, Tobey Maguire, James McAvoy and Oscar-winner Christof Waltz. And as you might expect with how Nolan loves to work with actors multiple times, Mr. Christian Bale is also said to be in the mix for a role. Whether these actors are vying for the same role remains to be seen. Regardless, I’m already drooling and need to wipe off my keyboard.

Pre-production is already underway, and while plot details are scarce, here is a little tidbit that THR was able to pick up about the story surrounding Transcendence:

The story centers on a man who creates a computer that develops a malevolent awareness. Depp will play a husband who gets sucked into the computer.

Ummmm, yes please! Transcendence is set to hit theaters some time in 2014. Stay tuned to The Movie Mash for updates.

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