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Black Bear has acquired worldwide rights to Laika’s live-action adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel, “Atmosphere.” The Academy Award-winning indie studio and distribution company (“Imitation Game,”
“Sing Sing,” “Train Dreams”) landed the rights in a highly competitive situation and will release the film theatrically.
“Atmosphere” is the latest global hit by Jenkins Reid, whose novels have sold more than 24 million copies worldwide and spawned multiple film and TV adaptations, like “Daisy Jones & the Six” and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” The film is set amid NASA’s Space Shuttle program in the 1980s and follows Joan, a brilliant young astronaut, and her compatriots as they prepare for missions where every launch could be their last.
“As the missions unfold,” a synopsis explains, “Joan and fellow astronaut Vanessa forge a bond that will forever shape their lives. But when catastrophe leaves them fighting for survival, they are propelled into an impossible race against time that will test the limits of courage, sacrifice, and love.”
Acclaimed filmmakers Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck (“Captain Marvel,” “Half Nelson”) will direct the film after adapting the novel. Matt Levin, Laika’s president of live-action films and Katie Anderson, Black Bear’s EVP of acquisitions, announced the acquisition news.
“From day one, our collaboration with Taylor, Brad, Ryan, and Anna has been anchored in a shared ambition to make a version of ‘Atmosphere’ that truly demands to be experienced as a major cinematic event,” said Levin. “We couldn’t ask for a better partner than the world-class team at Black Bear, who share our passion for this story and have the vision, energy and global reach to ensure it reaches audiences around the world on the grandest possible stage.”
In addition to releasing the film theatrically in the U.S. and its territories, Black Bear will co-finance the film with Laika and serve as international sales agent.
“‘Atmosphere’ is exactly the kind of bold, ambitious event film Black Bear is passionate about bringing to audiences — an emotionally resonant theatrical experience from visionary filmmakers, anchored by unforgettable characters and breathtaking scale,” added Anderson.
“Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of the defining storytellers of her generation, and ‘Atmosphere’ is her most cinematic work yet, Anderson continued. “Boden & Fleck are among the rare filmmakers capable of delivering blockbuster spectacle without sacrificing emotional intimacy, making them the perfect creative partners to bring this extraordinary story to life. We’re thrilled to partner with them, Circle, and the Laika team to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences worldwide.”
“Atmosphere” is a Laika production in association with Circle M+P. Laika’s Travis Knight, Levin and Jeremy Kipp Walker; Boden and Fleck; Jenkins Reid; and Brad Mendelsohn of Circle M+P are producers. Laika’s Maryse Knight and Zac Locke are executive producers.
Boden and Fleck are represented by WME and Entertainment 360. Jenkins Reid is represented by Circle Management + Production, Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management, WME, Jill Fritzo PR and Goodman Genow Schenkman Smelkinson + Christopher, LLP.
