Full Breakdown
Shawn Levy to Direct Netflix Original Sci-Fi Film “Somewhere Out There”
5/9/2026, 6:33:51 PM
Project Overview
Netflix acquired the spec script “Somewhere Out There” by Max Taxe after a competitive bidding war. Director Shawn Levy, known for “Deadpool & Wolverine” and the “Stranger Things” franchise, will direct and co-produce through his 21 Laps banner with producer Dan Levine. No release date is set.
Background & Recent Developments
Levy recently finished filming the live-action “Star Wars: Starfighter,” slated for a May 28, 2027 theatrical release.
Key Personnel and Production Entities
The film is led by director-producer Shawn Levy, writer Max Taxe, co-producer Dan Levine, and 21 Laps overseer Becca Edelman. Netflix will distribute; Levy/21 Laps are represented by WME and Johnson Shapir, while Taxe is represented by UTA, Entertainment 360 and Jackoway Austen.
Plot Premise and Genre Positioning
Described as an “emotional sci-fi” drama, the story blends the contemplative tone of Denis Villeneuve’s “Arrival” with the family-time-travel feel of Levy’s “The Adam Project.” It follows a widowed father who, after his wife’s death, transmits a message into deep space and receives an unexpected reply.
Data & Statistics
The bidding war attracted industry attention, though terms remain undisclosed. Levy’s prior film “Deadpool & Wolverine” earned either $1.086 billion (Variety) or over $1.3 billion (The Hollywood Reporter), making it the highest-grossing R-rated release. 21 Laps currently has three active Netflix projects.
Official Statements & Responses
Netflix confirmed the acquisition of Taxe’s script and Levy’s role as director and producer. 21 Laps announced Dan Levine’s co-production and Becca Edelman’s oversight. Both noted that casting for the father role is ongoing, with several high-profile actors considered.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the global box-office total for “Deadpool & Wolverine,” citing $1.086 billion (Variety) versus “exceeding $1.3 billion” (The Hollywood Reporter). No studio disclosed competing bidders, and a release window for “Somewhere Out There” remains unannounced.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The story concerns a grieving father who, after losing his wife, sends a message out into the stars…and something out there starts to talk back,” — *The Hollywood Reporter*
- “The story concerns a grieving father who, after losing his wife, sends a message out into the stars…and something out there starts to talk back,” — *Dark Horizons*
- “The film is described as being an “emotional sci-fi” flick that is comparable to 2016’s Arrival and 2022’s The Adam Project.” — *ComingSoon.net*
- “086 billion at the global box office and is the highest grossing R-rated movie in history.” — *Variety*
What’s Next
Production on “Somewhere Out There” will begin after the lead cast is finalized. The film will enter principal photography while “Starfighter” completes post-production for its 2027 release. Netflix plans a streaming debut, though a specific premiere date is pending.
