Johnny Depp In 'Transcendence'? Actor Pairs With 'Dark Knight' Cinematographer Wally Pfister For New Film

Johnny Depp isn't pairing with Wes Anderson for "The Grand Budapest Hotel," but he does have another director-driven project up his sleeve. Alcon Entertainment announced on Wednesday that Depp is negotiating to star in "Transcendence," the directorial debut of "Dark Knight Rises" cinematographer Wally Pfister.

“I'm thrilled, and feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Johnny," Pfister, sounding confident in the negotiations, said in a statement. "He is a creative and intelligent artist whom I feel will bring great depth to the character and the overall narrative."

The plot of "Transcendence" is not yet known, but Pfister did reveal a little bit of information during a Q&A at Ringling College of Art and Design last week.

"I can’t talk too much about it. It’s a present-day science fiction film, a fairly big concept," he said. "It’s bigger budget -- not as big as 'Batman,' but not independent." Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas are producers on "Transcendence."

When asked why he wanted to shift into directing, Pfister -- an acclaimed cinematographer who won an Oscar for "Inception" -- said he had the desire to try something new.

"I think it’s really just about wanting to find a new kind of artistic expression. I wouldn’t deny that it’s about control. I’d like to make audiences laugh and cry and you have to be in the director’s chair to manipulate people’s perception of the world and their emotional responses," he said. "That is a level of power I’d like to feel."

For more on Pfister, check out Coming Soon.

[via Coming Soon]

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