Johnny Depp to play a supercomputer in Transcendence…What?

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

“It is true Johnny Depp’s brain is uploaded into a computer.”

This quote from Andrew Kosove, who is producing on TRANSCENDENCE. Depp has signed on to star in the sci-fi film from Christopher Nolan, who is executive producing, and Wally Pfister, Nolan’s Oscar-winning cinematographer who will make this his directorial debut.

The plot involves, “a scientist whose brain gets uploaded into a supercomputer with the aim of creating the world’s first machine that can think for itself.” Newcomer Jack Paglen is the scribe.

Okay, here’s where I need you to stay with me. The Wrap got some details on the story from a close source. Alcon states that any early plot summary might be outdated, and subject to future revisions. Warner Bros. called it “speculation.” Anyway, on to the possible details:

“Three scientists — Max and the husband and wife team, Will (Depp) and Evelyn — have been developing a programming code for the world’s first fully self-aware computer. A group of anti-technology terrorists assassinate Will, Evelyn uploads his brain into a prototype supercomputer. Although she at first finds the experiment seems to have gone wrong, before too long Evelyn finds Will responding in computer form. She goes on to connect Will to the Internet so he can help make further scientific breakthroughs. Will asks Evelyn to connect a microphone and a camera up to the computer so he can see and speak to her as well. When the anti-technology organization finds out, they try to steal the supercomputer and destroy it, but Will no longer needs the computer to survive.”

They say that several stars are circling the remaining roles. Let’s get the no’s of the casting out of the way: Ewan McGregor passed on an early draft. Tom Hardy is busy with other projects. Noomi Rapace is not rumored for a role, and like Hardy, Kate Winslet is not available.