Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller

Ben Stiller may direct a biopic about inventor Thomas Edison.

The 'Zoolander' actor-and-director is being eyed to helm 'The Current War', which would depict the story of Edison's 1880s feud with fellow genius, George Westinghouse, due to their competing electricity businesses.

While Edison tried to mass market and distribute direct current (DC) electricity, his rival offered alternating current (AC) distribution, which dominated the marketplace.

Harvey Weinstein will produce the film through The Weinstein Company, along with director Timur Bekmambetov - who was originally tapped to direct the project - and Steve Zaillian.

The movie's script was written by playwright Michael Mitnick.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "a number of directors are circling the material, including Ben Stiller", who recently directed and starred in 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'.

Stiller will portray the titular character, whose magnificent and vivid daydreams envision him as a Royal Air Force pilot, a brilliant surgeon and an assassin.

The actor is also still in the running to direct Robert Downey Jr. in a live-action adaptation of classic fairytale, 'Pinocchio'.

Stiller's previous directorial efforts include 'Zoolander' and 'Tropic Thunder', both of which he starred in.