Michael Shanks and Adam McKay Collaborate on Untitled Sci-Fi Comedy

Filmmaker Michael Shanks, known for his cult horror film *Together*, has partnered with acclaimed director Adam McKay for an untitled sci-fi comedy. The project has been acquired by Sony Pictures, with Shanks set to write the screenplay and McKay directing. The collaboration marks McKay's first feature film since his 2021 release, *Don’t Look Up*, which gained significant attention on Netflix.

Hollywood Reporter

The film is being produced by McKay and Todd Schulman through their production company, Hyperobject Industries. Andrew Mittman, an executive producer on the Netflix series *Wednesday* and involved in the development of Tim Burton’s remake of *Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman*, is also producing via his company, 1.21 Pictures. Kai Dolbashian will serve as an executive producer, continuing the partnership established during the production of *Together*.

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Michael Shanks made his directorial debut with *Together*, a body horror film that premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and sparked a bidding war, ultimately being acquired by Neon for $17 million. His upcoming project, *Hotel, Hotel, Hotel, Hotel*, is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller set to be produced by A24. Adam McKay has a diverse filmography that includes comedies like *Anchorman* and *Talladega Nights*, as well as critically acclaimed dramas such as *The Big Short* and *Vice*. His recent work, *Don’t Look Up*, featured an ensemble cast and became one of Netflix's most-watched films.

Hollywood Reporter

While specific details about the new sci-fi comedy remain undisclosed, it is described as a blend of humor and science fiction. This project follows McKay's attempts to launch other films, including *Average Height, Average Build*, which was ultimately shelved. He has also been working on *Greenhouse*, a climate change-themed film based on David Wallace-Wells' book, although he acknowledges the challenges in bringing it to fruition.

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Despite the excitement surrounding the collaboration, some industry observers have expressed skepticism regarding McKay's ability to balance humor with serious themes, particularly following the mixed reception of *Don’t Look Up*. Critics argue that while McKay's films often tackle significant issues, they can sometimes lack depth in character development and narrative cohesion.

Adam Mckay & Michael Shanks team up for new sci-fi comedy at Sony

As the project is still in the early stages of development, further announcements regarding casting and production timelines are anticipated. Both Shanks and McKay have established reputations for creating engaging content, and their collaboration is expected to generate considerable interest in the film industry.

Hollywood Reporter

• “What’s refreshing about Together, especially in comparison to more cerebral recent fare, is just how fun it is – which is the aspect that made this feel a little bit like an eighties film,” — Chris Bumbray, Film Critic

Adam Mckay & Michael Shanks team up for new sci-fi comedy at Sony

This collaboration between Michael Shanks and Adam McKay promises to bring a unique perspective to the sci-fi comedy genre, leveraging their respective strengths in storytelling and humor.

Hollywood Reporter