Disney incubating new Charles Darwin movie

Mouse House to make naturalist biopic, six years after box-office failure of Creation, starring Paul Bettany

In 2009, Paul Bettany starred as revolutionary naturalist Charles Darwin in Creation, which told of his struggles writing On the Origin of Species, and his grief following the death of his 10-year-old daughter, Annie. The film, based on a biography by Darwin's great-great grandson, made just over half a million pounds worldwide.

Now, Walt Disney Studios is to attempt to reanimate the scientist in a new movie. Stephen Gaghan - whose previous script credits include Traffic and Syriana - is on board to direct from his own screenplay. He is currently about to direct Matthew McConaughey in a mining drama, Gold.