It appears one of the stars of a classic modern sci-fi TV show is set for a new sci-fi thriller film that will appeal to its fans!
The Expanse may be long over, but the six-season Syfy/Prime Video series is still hailed as one of the greatest sci-fi series of the last decade. The adaptation of the best-selling novels captured the tale of a future where a galactic war is about to unfold, as humanity stands on the brink of first contact with alien life.
Among the cast was Thomas Jane as Joe Miller, a private investigator whose search for a missing woman uncovers a grander conspiracy. He played the role for the first two seasons with guest appearances in the next two.
Courtesy of Deadline, it’s confirmed Jane will now star in the sci-fi thriller Celestia, directed by Joel Souza and written by Cory Todd Hughes and Adrien Speckert. It’s produced by Emanuele Morett’s Motus Studios with no release date set.
Jane spoke to Deadline about his casting, saying “Joel remains one of my favorite directors because he delivers gritty characters with heart, and Celestia hits all the notes for me; haunting, intimate, grounded sci-fi with a twist. That doesn’t come around often.”
Souza added his own feelings: “This film blends mystery with raw emotional stakes in a way that feels fresh and resonant. Celestia isn’t just about what’s out there in the stars, it’s about what’s inside us. I loved working with Thomas and I’m excited we’ll get to go on such an exciting journey together again.”
Jane and Souza had worked together on the 2019 film Crown Vic. This new work looks to be even more astounding.
What is Celestia about?
Per the official synopsis provided by Deadline, “After crash-landing on a remote planet, Graham (Jane), a devoted but troubled father, must claw his way back from disaster while keeping his daughter safe inside their deteriorating spacecraft. But as he searches the alien landscape for answers and a path to escape, he begins to uncover signs that they may have been expected, pulling him into a mystery far more dangerous than the crash itself.”
Speckett and Hughes offered a joint statement, saying, “We couldn’t be more excited to have Thomas Jane, The Motus Studios and Joel Souza doing this project. We always knew there was something different about this script. We’ve always loved movies that hinge on an incredible twist and we feel this does it in a way we haven’t seen before, so we can’t wait to see what this team does with the finished film.”
The pair cited the Frank Darabont film The Mist, also starring Jane, as a key influence, and that they want to retain the same “magic” combining tension with horror. There’s no announced budget, so it’s unclear whether the movie will be a grand adventure or smaller in scope. The synopsis hints that Jane may be the only main character searching this dangerous world.
We may have to wait a while to see this but it’s great to know Jane isn’t leaving the sci-fi genre, instead adding another must-watch piece of filmmaking for The Expanse fandom.