The acting credibility for The Twilight Saga: New Moon star Robert Pattinson continues to blossom, as the budding actor is circling around a Depression-era drama that is about to feature two other big names: Reese Witherspoon and Sean Penn. Titled Water for Elephants, the Fox 2000 project already has I Am Legend director Francis Lawrence on board to direct, with Richard LaGravenese adapting from Sara Gruen's book of the same name. Reese Witherspoon is already confirmed, while Pattinson is "expected to close" on the project. Penn is currently doing work in Haiti, and it is said that he is considering the role.

The story is about "a Cornell U. veterinary student who leaves his studies after his parents are killed and joins up with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, working as a vet for the circus." Witherspoon will play an equestrian star named Marlena, who is married to the charismatic but twisted animal trainer August (set to be played by Penn).

Gil Netter, Erwin Stoff, and Andrew Tennenbaum are set as producers. Water for Elephants is aiming for a June shooting date.

What do you think? Do you think that the Hollywood heartthrob has the potential to hold his own against Oscar-rate thespians like Penn and Witherspoon? Does he deserve such big roles? And more curiously, has anyone even read this book?

Source: Variety