EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has acquired U.S. rights to writer-director Jess Varley’s sci-fi thriller The Astronaut, which had its world premiere at 2025’s South by Southwest Film Festival.
The film, starring Kate Mara (Friendship), Laurence Fishburne (The Amateur), Gabriel Luna (The Last of Us), Ivana Milicevic (Sherlock & Daughter), and singer-actress Macy Gray (Phobias), is slated for release later this fall.
The synopsis reads: “When astronaut Sam Walker (Mara) 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.”
Pic was produced by Hollywood vet Brad Fuller, known for the Quiet Place and Purge franchises. Cameron Fuller, Eric B. Fleischman, and Chris Abernathy also produced. Jan McAdoo, Stephen Braun and Laurence Fishburne are executive producers. The feature took advantage of Ireland’s film tax incentive.
The Astronaut is Varley’s solo directorial debut after directing two segments for 2021’s horror anthology Phobias.
The deal was negotiated by Jarowey and SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi on behalf of Vertical and by the UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers.
Varley stated: “I’m forever grateful for the Fullers and Wonder Company’s dedication to the film, and over the moon to be partnering with Vertical on its release. Laurence and Kate gave their all to our nostalgic roller coaster ride with heart concealed behind its scares. We’re excited for audiences to join us on a journey of wonderment where all is not what it seems… even the genre itself.”
“Jess’ direction paired with my son Cameron and Wonder Company’s producing created something truly unique on The Astronaut. Vertical saw what we all felt – this is a special film from an exciting new team,” said producer Brad Fuller.
“Jess has created a claustrophobic, otherworldly sci-fi thriller anchored by fantastic performances from Kate and Laurence. We can’t wait for The Astronaut to keep U.S. audiences on the edge of their seats until the final frame,” added Vertical partner Peter Jarowey.
Additional below-the-line talent includes cinematographer Dave Garbett (Evil Dead Rise), production designer Alan Gilmore (Cobweb), editors Joel Griffen (Shining Vale) and Terel Gibson (Cuckoo) and costume designer Joanna David (Singing in My Sleep), with casting by Lindsey Weissmueller (Sacramento) and music by Jacques Brautbar (Sting).
Vertical has previously bought and released Fuller’s Elevation starring Anthony Mackie, and a handful of titles from Fleischman/Abernathy, most recently the road trip comedy Sacramento.