While superhero films like Spider-Man 2 and The Dark Knight Rises may toy with fictional nuclear fusion reactors in their plots, at 14-years-old, Taylor Wilson had already made a functional one.  Now Chernin Entertainment has acquired the rights to his story, catalyzed by an article in Popular Science titled The Boy Who Played with Fusion.  The company is negotiating with Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter) to direct.

While the tale of Wilson’s genius is compelling enough, the article parallels another young scientist whose path diverged wildly (Hazmat units and arrests compared to Wilson’s accolades and continuing success), stressing the need for mentors who will foster the gifts of these young minds.  Hit the jump for more on The Boy Who Played with Fusion.