Will Smith has helped save the world from alien invaders (more than once), he’s been the last man on Earth and one of the greatest boxers of all time. Now, according to pajiba, the actor/rapper is in talks to star in a big-budget adaptation of the Hugo Award-winning short story, “Flowers for Algernon.”

Flowers for Algernon is a science fiction short story and subsequent novel written by Daniel Keyes. The short story, written in 1958 and first published in the April 1959 issue of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, won the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1960.

The titular Algernon is a laboratory mouse who has undergone surgery to increase his intelligence by artificial means. The story is told as a series of progress reports written by Charlie, the first human test subject for the surgery. Charlie’s surgery is also a success and his IQ triples.

Charlie then falls in love with his former teacher, Miss Kinnian but, as his intelligence increases, he surpasses her intellectually and they become unable to relate to each other. Also, his new intelligence scares his co-workers at his job; they start a petition to have him fired and, when Charlie finds out about it, he quits his job.

As Charlie’s intelligence peaks, Algernon’s suddenly declines — losing his increased intelligence and dying shortly afterwards. Charlie discovers that his intelligence increase is also only temporary. Unable to do anything to prevent the change, Charlie reverts to his original mental state in a swift reversal of his original growth. He tries to return to his original life and job but cannot stand everyone feeling sorry for him so he decides to move away.

The story touches upon many different ethical and moral themes such as the treatment of the mentally disabled.

Smith has several other projects currently in development, including potential sequels to Hancock and I, Robot, and a prequel to I Am Legend. No word on when Flowers for Algernon will fit into Smith’s schedule.