Renowned director Doug Liman returned to the Venice Film Festival to unveil his latest project, the immersive thriller Asteroid. Close to three decades after his breakout film, Swingers, premiered at the festival, Liman’s new venture is part of the Film Festival’s Immersive Competition, competing against 30 other innovative works.
This XR experience stars an impressive cast, including Hailee Steinfeld, Rhenzy Feliz, DK Metcalf, Ron Perlman, and Frieda Pinto. The storyline follows a group of strangers embarking on a perilous mission to mine resources from an asteroid aboard an aging Russian Soyuz rocket. The dramatic twist reveals that only one of the travelers will make it back to Earth.
Asteroid is produced by Liman’s immersive studio, 30 Ninjas, in association with Google’s 100 Zeros. The film is set to be part of the launch slate for Android XR, a new operating system developed by Google and Samsung, which integrates artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
Liman expressed his enthusiasm for merging technology with storytelling, stating, “At 30 Ninjas, our mission has been to embrace new technology and storytelling. I have always been interested in movies that reflect the moment they’re made.” He draws inspiration from innovators like James Cameron, noting that storytelling should evolve alongside technological advancements.
The premiere at Venice holds personal significance for Liman. He explained that the festival was where he first showcased Swingers, a film that was made possible by new film technologies of its time. “Back then, we shot movies on film, but there were new film stocks that allowed for a different approach to filmmaking,” he recalled.
With a budget of just $250,000, Swingers grossed $4.6 million at the U.S. box office. Liman believes that innovations in filmmaking can fundamentally change how stories are told and experienced.
Asteroid stands out as Liman’s most ambitious project to date. He described the challenges in creating a compelling narrative within the constraints of a VR headset, noting the difficulties of filming in confined spaces. “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,” Liman remarked.
The immersive experience includes a unique interactive component, where viewers can assist in uncovering what transpired on the icy asteroid. The 180-degree short takes participants into the chaotic moments inside the Soyuz rocket, featuring Metcalf’s character grappling with anxiety just before liftoff.
In discussing the characters, Liman expressed his desire to depict ordinary people in extraordinary situations. “I’m very interested in doing movies or stories told in outer space with characters who have no business being there,” he said. The narrative revolves around five individuals crammed into a capsule designed for three, all driven by the allure of untold wealth.
Cast member Ron Perlman shared his excitement about working on this groundbreaking project. “I thought that I had done everything in show business until I saw this,” he stated, highlighting the innovative nature of the filmmaking process.
Despite the technological challenges, Liman remains optimistic about the future of Asteroid. He has not ruled out further installments or a feature film adaptation but emphasized the importance of refining the immersive experience first. “This started as a feature script, which I cut down to create a short film. I haven’t made a short film since film school, and they’re really hard to pull off,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Liman is eager to expand on the universe of Asteroid, likening it to the evolution of his previous films. “With The Bourne Identity, you wanted more, and you got four more movies. My goal is to create movies and experiences that people want more of,” he stated.
In a nod to his aspirations for space filmmaking, Liman addressed his long-discussed project involving Tom Cruise. He confirmed that the project remains on the table but noted that both he and Cruise are currently occupied with other commitments.
“I know I want to do more in space,” Liman affirmed. He emphasized the significance of telling stories that resonate beyond mere novelty, aiming to create a cinematic experience that captivates audiences for generations. “If I ever shoot a movie in outer space, the question will be what could I do that you couldn’t do on Earth that makes for a great piece of entertainment,” he concluded.
As Liman continues to navigate the evolving landscape of film and technology, his commitment to innovative storytelling remains clear. The world of Asteroid offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of immersive cinema, leaving audiences eager for what’s next.
