Oprah Winfrey and actor David Oyelowo are in discussions to produce “The Water Man” for Disney, an individual close to the deal told TheWrap.
Emma Needell, who just completed her deal with the studio, penned the script. The story follows a young boy who seeks the title character, a mythical man who is said to have the secret to immortality, in an effort to help his ailing mother.
Oyelowo would star in the project as well, playing the young man’s father who slowly comes to understand his son. The individual described the script’s elevator pitch as “Stand By Me” with an “E.T.” vibe.
Winfrey was a producer on Oyelowo’s Academy Award-nominated drama “Selma,” along with Brad Pitt‘s Plan B.