Denzel Washington to star in Will Smith's Hurricane Katrina drama, The American Can?

For a couple of years now, Will Smith has been trying to get his Hurricane Katrina drama, The American Can off the ground. Written by John Lee Hancock(The Blind Side), the film tells the true story of the New Orleans residents of the American Can apartment complex led by ex-Marine John Keller in defending their homes and trying to survive in the wake of the flood disaster. At one point it appeared that Smith would want to star in the film himself, but with M. Night Shyamalan's One Thousand AE upcoming he doesn't have the time, so an equally big name will have to take his place. Will Smith's first choice? Denzel Washington.

Vulture reports that Smith is set to offer the role to Washington in hopes of getting the film off the ground sooner rather than later. Washington appears to be already invested in the film, providing notes to both Smith and Sony Pictures on the film to see if their visions match.

This is hardly the pairing of Denzel and the Fresh Prince I was hoping to read about. The two are rumored to be teaming up for a remake of Uptown Saturday Night, but little has been heard of that film for awhile. Still, this sounds like the type of story that Washington could eat up and possibly earn some awards buzz for. 

If you're interested in the true story of John Keller and the residents of American Can, check out the documenary New Orleans: My Home, My Life, My Love.