Biel To Star in "Next" Philip K. Dick Adaptation

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jessica Biel has signed on to co-star in Lee Tamahori's sci-fi thriller "Next" for Revolution Studios. The story is an adaptation of the Philip K. Dick's short story "The Golden Man."

Nicolas Cage and Julianne Moore are already signed up to headline the film.

Written by Gary Goldman, the story centers on a man (Cage) with the unique ability to see future events and affect their outcome. Pursued by the FBI - which, as usual, is seeking to use his abilities for its own purposes - he ultimately is faced with the choice of saving himself or the world. Meanwhile, he must also win the love of a woman who will be the mother of his child. Biel will reportedly play Liz, the love interest of Cage's character. (It seems Moore would be a better match, though. Isn't Biel too young for him? Are there to be two love interests?)

Biel, whose credits include "London," "Stealth," "Blade: Trinity" and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," next appears in Neil Burger's "The Illusionist."

Now, I'll admit that I have not read this PKD story. I'm confused, though. Based on my brief research, the original story seems to be about a very young and Adonis-like post-apocalyptic mutant with gold skin. While Cage can certainly bulk up, I'm not sure he falls into the young Adonis category. Top of my list would be the "hulky" Eric Bana, but even he might not be young enough. I guess we'll see how they adapt the story. Any PKD fans out there have more insight? -- Shannon Nolley

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