After producer Brian Grazer first read an excerpt of Sylvia Nasar's book "A Beautiful Mind" in "Vanity Fair" magazine, he immediately purchased the rights to the film. He eventually brought the project to director Ron Howard, who had scheduling conflicts and was forced to pass. Grazer later said that many A-list directors were calling with their point of view on the project. He eventually focused on a particular director, who coincidentally was available only when Howard was also available. Grazer chose Howard.