Doug Liman Unveils ‘Asteroid’ at Venice Film Festival, Eyes Space Projects
Renowned director Doug Liman returned to the Venice Film Festival with the unveiling of his latest project, the immersive thriller Asteroid. This film is part of the festival’s Immersive Competition, showcasing innovative storytelling through extended reality (XR) technology. Liman’s work features a star-studded cast including Hailee Steinfeld, Rhenzy Feliz, DK Metcalf, Ron Perlman, Frieda Pinto, and Leon Mandel.
Set in a high-stakes scenario, Asteroid follows a group of strangers embarking on a perilous mission aboard an old Russian Soyuz rocket. Their goal is to mine an asteroid for unimaginable wealth, with only one of them expected to return to Earth. This project, produced by Liman’s studio 30 Ninjas in collaboration with Google’s 100 Zeros, represents a significant leap in filmmaking, using advanced technology to enhance narrative depth.
Innovative Storytelling and Personal Reflections
At the festival, Liman expressed his enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. “At 30 Ninjas, our mission has been to embrace new technology and storytelling,” he stated. He drew parallels between his current project and his breakthrough film, Swingers, which premiered nearly thirty years ago in Venice. Liman noted, “I have always been interested in movies that reflect the moment they’re made.”
Reflecting on the evolution of filmmaking, he recalled how new film stocks allowed for more creative freedom in Swingers, which was shot on a modest budget of $250,000 and grossed approximately $4.6 million at the U.S. box office. His career, he believes, has consistently intertwined with advancements in technology, leading to the ambitious undertaking of Asteroid.
“It’s a giant Hollywood movie idea told in a VR headset, and that just hasn’t existed before,” Liman remarked, showcasing the innovative nature of the project.
A Unique Interactive Experience
The Asteroid experience allows viewers to engage in an interactive narrative. It features a pre-chat with NFL player DK Metcalf, generated by Google’s AI assistant, Gemini. The immersive short plunges viewers into the chaotic environment of the Soyuz rocket, highlighting the psychological struggles of its crew as they navigate treacherous terrain on the asteroid.
Liman’s commitment to character-driven narratives shines through in Asteroid. He describes the film as a tale of individuals drawn to space for monetary gain rather than adventure. “In Asteroid, five of them are cramming into a Soyuz capsule that’s designed for three because they think there’s a trillion dollars to be made on an asteroid that’s passing near Earth,” he explained.
Veteran actor Ron Perlman, who participated in the project, described the experience as transformative. “I thought that I had done everything in show business until I saw this,” he said, acknowledging the technical challenges of filming in such confined spaces.
Liman emphasized that creating an immersive experience for viewers presented unique difficulties, particularly in capturing the claustrophobic nature of the Soyuz capsule. “The moment you say you’re going to cram people in a teeny space and shoot that for a VR headset, you’re in for a world of hurt,” he admitted.
The film utilizes advanced technology for performance capture, enabling a closer connection between the characters and the audience. 30 Ninjas co-partner Jed Weintrob explained that the film’s visual effects were enhanced through Unreal Engine, allowing for a seamless blend of live performance and digital artistry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Space Cinema
As for future projects, Liman remains optimistic about expanding the Asteroid narrative. While he has not confirmed any sequels or feature films, he expressed a desire to delve deeper into the story and its characters. “There is a full story I want to tell of Asteroid that is feature length or longer,” he stated, emphasizing the potential for further exploration of the themes introduced in the immersive experience.
Liman’s ambition extends beyond Asteroid. He mentioned his longstanding aspiration to collaborate with Tom Cruise on a film set in outer space, a project first announced in 2020. Although no updates are available, Liman’s excitement for future endeavors in space cinema remains palpable.
“I know I want to do more in space,” he concluded. “I want to make a film that people watch in a hundred years… that’s the goal of everything I do.” Liman’s vision reflects a commitment to innovation in storytelling, merging technology with compelling narratives that resonate with audiences across generations.
