Variety today reported that director Spike Lee will co-write and helm “Time Traveler,” a drama based on the memoir by Ronald Mallett, one of the first African-Americans to receive a doctorate in theoretical physics. In the book, Mallett describes how he escaped poverty and built himself a remarkable academic career as a scientist. He also presents his plans to build a realistic time machine, which he started developing at the age of 10, shortly after the death of his father.
Lee acquired the rights to “Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality" with his own finances. The “Malcolm X” director is currently wrapping up post-production for his upcoming drama “Miracle at St. Anna,” which opens Sept. 26, 2008.
Lee’s credits also include “25th Hour,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Summer of Sam.”