Steve Carell to star in ‘I.Q. 83’ — fighting to save world from viral stupidity

On the heels of his upcoming “Foxcatcher” drama, Steve Carell is turning to another film role that moves him away from the comedy realm for which he first gained fame. The actor has reportedly signed on to star in “I.Q. 83,” based on Arthur Herzog’s 1978 sci-fi novel. The screenplay will be written by Charlie Kaufman (“Being John Malkovich,” “Adaptation,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”).

The storyline is intriguing and I believe will reasonate with audiences today gripped by the frightening Ebola epidemic. In “I.Q. 83” Carell will play Dr. James Healey, a member of a scientific team, whose DNA research accidentally leads to the release of a virulent, airborne virus. Those affected suddenly begin to lose their brain power and intelligence (hence the title). Healey scrambles to find a cure to the disease, even as he is infected and begins to lose his own brilliant mind.

As Deadline.com reported, the film also will likely showcase the U.S. President, in an attempt to calm public fear, goes on television, but ends up merely drooling and babbling nonsense.