Films like The Da Vinci Code and National Treasure (and their respective followups) proved that adventure films based on historical events can connect with audiences worldwide. In fact, new films in both franchises are reportedly set to hit theaters in the next couple of years.

So it shouldn't be much of a surprise to hear that an adventure film centering on physicist/mathematician Isaac Newton is moving forward at Warner Bros. The concept of a Newton-led action film isn't even new, as we received word a few years ago that Rob Cohen - who directed the original 2001 The Fast and the Furious film - was developing a similar project.

However, according to Variety, David S. Goyer will produce Principia, which will focus on Newton's hunt for a criminal. The project borrows its name from the title of the scientist's 1687 book Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy), which established the laws of motion and gravitation. Christian Contreras - best known as an actor with small parts in films like Zero Dark Thirty and Fury - will write the film.

Goyer is, of course, best known for producing comic book films like the Ghost Rider and Blade films. He also has writing credit on Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins (and "story by" credit on its sequels) and will produce a little film called Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice next year. With a first-look deal in place at Warner Bros., Goyer remains a major player at the studio. Indeed, given the franchise potential for Principia, it makes sense for him to be attracted to the project.

The new report makes no mention of whether the film has any ties to what Cohen was developing, but it does sound like Goyer's take may focus more on the mystery element of the plot, serving as a period thriller more in line with something like The Raven than Cohen's signature works like The Fast and the Furious and xXx. Still, even with Contreras' unproven skill as a writer, it does sound like there could be potential in the premise of Principia to deliver something fun and exciting for moviegoers.

Do you think Goyer is a good fit for Principia? Are you excited for the film? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Stay tuned to Screen Rant for the latest updates on Principia as this story develops.

Source: Variety