We reported back in March about Wally Pfister stepping down from cinematography to direct a feature film being produced by Alcon Entertainment. Since that time we’ve also learned that Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas will serve as executive producers on the project, and that the film’s budget is somewhat substantial. Now, Deadline reports that Johnny Depp is negotiating to star in present-day science-fiction film, which we’ve just learned is titled Transcendence.

The plot of Transcendence, which was written by newcomer Jack Paglen, has been described as in the vein of 2001: A Space Odyssey and Inception. According to THR, the story centers on a man who creates a computer that develops a malevolent awareness. Pfister has met with Noomi Rapace for the film’s female lead, and is considering James McAvoy, Tobey Maguire, and Christoph Waltz for other various roles. According to Deadline, Pfister praised actor Johnny Depp as “a creative and intelligent artist whom I feel will bring great depth to the character and the overall narrative.”

Alcon Entertainment plans on the film going into production in early 2013. We can assume from Pfister’s strong comments in the past that this science-fiction film won’t be getting the 3D treatment.