Black Bear has secured worldwide distribution rights to Atmosphere, a feature adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's latest bestselling novel, produced in partnership with animation studio Laika. The film is being written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the duo behind Half Nelson and Captain Marvel.
Under the deal, Black Bear will release Atmosphere theatrically in the United States, co-finance the project alongside Laika, and handle international sales.
Atmosphere centers on a sweeping romance between two pioneering female astronauts navigating NASA's early shuttle program in the late 1970s and early 1980s. According to the official synopsis, the story follows Joan, a brilliant young astronaut, and a trailblazing new generation of astronauts as they prepare for missions where every launch could be their last. As the missions unfold, 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.
Laika's Travis Knight, Matt Levin and Jeremy Kipp Walker are producing the film alongside Boden and Fleck. Jenkins Reid and Brad Mendelsohn will also produce through their banner Circle M+P, while Maryse Knight and Zac Locke are attached as executive producers.
Laika, best known for stop-motion animated films such as Coraline, has been expanding into live-action projects. The studio's growing slate also includes Lulu Wang's Audition, starring Lucy Liu and Charles Melton, and the upcoming Wildwood, which Laika will release on October 23.
Black Bear, meanwhile, recently released the Matthew McConaughey film The Rivals of Amziah King and is next set to release Wicker, starring Olivia Colman, also on October 23.
Photo: Shannon Collins, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
