LONDON (Hollywood Reporter) - Real-life husband and wife Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly have signed on to play a married couple in "Creation," director Jon Amiel's film about the life of Charles Darwin.

Bettany will play the British father of evolutionary theory and Connelly will play his wife, Emma, in the big-screen take on the life of the controversial author of "On the Origin of Species."

The film portrays Darwin as a man torn between his love for his deeply religious wife and his growing belief in a world where God has no place. The scientist finds himself caught in a struggle between faith and reason, love and truth.

Collee's script is based on "Annie's Box," Randal Keynes' book about Darwin, his great great grandfather, and how the death of his daughter affected his views on religion.

Also joining the cast are Jeremy Northam, Toby Jones and Benedict Cumberbatch. The key role of daughter Annie will be announced soon.

Source: Reuters/Hollywood Reporter