Will Smith is to star in the NFL concussion drama Game Brain.

The movie - to be written and directed by Peter Landesman - is based on a GQ article and follows the forensic neuropathologist who discovered the existence of CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) in a professional football player.


Variety reports that Smith is in line to play the doctor, Bennet Omalu.

The Ridley Scott-produced film will see Bennet stuck between his ethical obligations as a doctor and the harsh realities of the NFL.

Smith recently dropped out of starring in Legendary Entertainment's Brilliance.

The actor was tipped to appear in the sci-fi adaptation, but has bowed out due to scheduling constraints.