With each new detail cropping up, it’s safe to say Wally Pfister‘s directorial debut is shaping up to be one of 2013′s most notable features. After securing Johnny Depp as the lead, the sci-fi film titled Transcendence is looking at other top actors including Christian Bale,  James McAvoy, Tobey Maguire, Noomi Rapace and Christoph Waltz.

The plot was kept under wraps for quite some time, as we got news of executive producing help coming from his longtime collaborators Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas. We recently heard comparisons to 2001: A Space Odyssey and Inception as the initial logline follows a husband “who creates a computer that develops a malevolent awareness.” Now coming out of the American Film Market, we’ve got a more substantial plot thanks to The Wrap.

With a sizable budget of $120 million, Jack Paglen‘s script reportedly follows ”three scientists, attempting work on stem cell and advanced computer technology, which will change the fundamentals of human life.” They add that “tension comes into play when they are met by protest and resistance.” This info sheds light on who are three leads are and it certainly adds a new dimension when it comes to the stakes, but there’s bound to be much more in store as production gears up, so check back for updates as the come in — most notably finalizing a cast.

Production kicks off in February for the Warner Bros. release.

What do you make of these new details?