An upcoming Spider-Verse star joins ‘Matrix’ alum to unleash extraterrestrial horrors in new sci-fi thriller

Talk about an unusual but potentially profitable pairing. Emma Roberts and Laurence Fishburne became a topic of discussion recently after Deadline announced that the duo would star in a new sci-fi horror, The Astronaut. 

According to the publication, Roberts will play Sam Walker, an astronaut who is found alive in a “punctured capsule” drifting along the Atlantic Ocean. Immediately after Walker’s rescue, she is under surveillance for testing and rehabilitation in a NASA compound by the orders of Fishburne’s character General William Harris. 

While the testing is underway, General Harris experiences unearthly encounters, which leads to Walker believing that an alien may have followed her. The Astronaut’s production will begin in Ireland later this year. The film will be written and directed by Jess Varley. Deadline reports that The Astronaut will mark Varley’s first solo project as a writer and director. 

As for the other crew members, Brad Fuller, Eric B. Fleischman, and Cameron Fuller will be producing the project. At the same time, Highland Film Group will own the international rights for The Astronaut, while UTA Independent Film Group will have the domestic rights. 

On Feb. 13, during an interview with Arianne Fraser, Highland Film Group CEO, she mentioned how excited the company is to have Roberts and Fishburne starring in the film. Fraser said, 

“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.”

Roberts and Fishburne have a busy year ahead of them professionally. Roberts is currently working on a Spiderman-related film Madame Web. But as for Fishburne, the 61-year-old will be reprising his role as Bowery King in the fourth installment of John Wick slated to be released in theaters in March.