Michael Ealy Handpicked To Play Will Smith's Brother In 'Seven Pounds'

Michael Ealy, who was recently nominated for his work on Showtime's Sleeper Cell, will be back on the big screen opposite Will Smith in 'Seven Pounds'

In fact, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Smith handpicked Ealy to play his younger brother.

Talk about skipping auditions! The story by Grant Nieporte follows a suicidal IRS agent (Smith) who sets out to make amends by assuming the identity of his younger brother. His plans get complicated when he inadvertently falls in love. Rosario Dawson and Woody Harrelson are in the cast as well.

Gabriele Muccino, who directed Smith in "The Pursuit of Happyness," is helming, with Escape Artists and Smith's Overbrook Entertainment producing.

Ealy most recently wrapped a starring turn in Spike Lee's World War II epic "Miracle at St. Anna," based on the true story of four black soldiers who risk their lives to save an Italian boy while in enemy territory. He just finished a turn as Malcolm X in the upcoming historical docu-miniseries "The People Speak," based on Howard Zinn's book.