Sony To Take Point For Sci-Fi Drama Life, Jake Gyllenhaal And Ryan Reynolds Still Attached

Another potential hitch has been nipped in the bud during pre-production for Daniel Espinosa’s high-profile sci-fi drama, Life.

Initially, Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds was to take point as the film’s protagonist, though the actor’s lasting commitment to The Hitman’s Bodyguard recently bumped him down to a smaller role, opening up the part for Jake Gyllenhaal.

That’s quite the save, considering Gyllenhaal’s recent track record includes Prisoners, Nightcrawler and the soon-to-be-released Demolition. No word yet on the specific character Gyllenhaal will portray, but there’s another change occurring behind the scenes.

Much like Reynolds’ allegiance to The Hitman’s Bodyguard, Paramount is currently presiding over J.J. Abrams-produced sci-fi drama God Particle. Alas, whereas the actor found some wiggle room to ensure he could still feature in both films, Paramount has opted to pass up Life, allowing Sony to swoop in to assume financial and distribution duties.

Partnering with Skydance, both parties have tentatively placed a production start date for later in the year, with Daniel Espinosa set to direct from a script produced by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese of Deadpool fame. David Ellison and Dana Goldberg are producing on behalf of Skydance, with Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn also leveraging producing duties between them.

Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation breakout Rebecca Ferguson will embark on the existential search for Life at some point in early 2017.