The Astronaut: Emma Roberts, Laurence Fishburne star in sci-fi thriller

Emma Roberts (Abandoned) and Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix) have signed on to star in the sci-fi thriller The Astronaut, which is scheduled to begin filming in Ireland later this year. This film will mark the solo feature writing and directing debut of Jess Varley, who previously contributed a segment to the anthology film Phobias.

Roberts will star in The Astronaut as the title character. The screenplay Varley has written has the following synopsis: When astronaut Sam Walker (Roberts) returns from her first space mission, she’s found miraculously alive in a punctured capsule floating deep off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. General William Harris (Fishburne) arranges for her to be placed under intense NASA surveillance in a high security house for rehabilitation and medical testing. However, when disturbing occurrences begin happening around the property, she fears that something extraterrestrial has followed her back to Earth.

The film is being produced by Eric B. Fleischman, Cameron Fuller, and genre regular Brad Fuller, who has produced such films as A Quiet Place, the Purge franchise, and the remakes/reboots of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Amityville Horror, The Hitcher, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Fuller provided the following statement: “I was inspired by Jess’ vision and handle on the material and I’m thrilled to be working with her.“

Varley added: “This story is very close to my heart and I’m profoundly grateful it’s resonated with such an immensely accomplished team of creatives. I couldn’t be more excited for audiences to fasten their seatbelts and go on this thrilling ride with us!“

Highland Film Group represents the international rights to The Astronaut and will be launching sales at the European Film Market later this month. CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group co-represent the domestic rights to the film.

Highland Film Group CEO Arianne Fraser had this to say about the project: “We are delighted to be working with such talented actors as Emma Roberts and Laurence Fishburne. They are phenomenal performers and a huge draw for international audiences and buyers alike.“

And Highland COO Delphine Perrier said, “We are thrilled to also be working with producer Brad Fuller who continues to be a guiding force behind some of today’s most successful genre films.“

I’m a fan of both Emma Roberts and Laurence Fishburne, and The Astronaut sounds interesting to me, so I look forward to seeing how this movie is going to turn out. Are you interested in The Astronaut? Let us know by leaving a comment below.