New Sci-Fi Film Inspired by Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s “Karn Evil 9” Enters Development

Radar Pictures is developing a sci-fi film based on Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s anthem “Karn Evil 9.” Isaac Ezban will direct a script by Tim Hedrick. The plot follows Zak, a gifted yet troubled musical prodigy invited to perform at a major festival simulcast in the video game, where he discovers the game’s creator may be using his performance to promote a new technology while anti-technology mercenaries hunt him. Producers Michael Napoliello, Maria Frisk and Ted Field lead production, with executive producers Carl Palmer, Bruce Pilato and Stewart Young. Band cooperates on the project.

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‘Karn Evil 9,’ a multi-part Emerson, Lake & Palmer piece, is praised for futuristic themes. Tim Hedrick notes it predates ‘The Matrix’ and ‘The Terminator’ while anticipating their technology-control concerns. The song’s iconic H.R. Giger-inspired cover motivated the film’s AI and digital-immersion focus.

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Isaac Ezban directs; Tim Hedrick writes. Radar Pictures produces with Michael Napoliello, Maria Frisk and Ted Field. Executive producers Carl Palmer, Bruce Pilato and Stewart Young represent the band.

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Ezban called the film a “miracle of a movie,” highlighting its blend of original storytelling with AI as a potential ally. Hedrick stressed his personal connection to the song and its commentary on technological chaos. Both described the project as exploring humanity’s relationship with emerging technology.

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• “This is, quite literally, a miracle of a movie and just the kind of movie I had always dreamt of directing: It’s both an original and a very epic piece of science fiction that deals with a relevant subject through a completely new lens,” — Isaac Ezban, Director

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• “This is actually a story where AI might be our biggest ally, and the bad guys are … well, I won´t say more … Hedrick’s magnificent script feels very human, unique, fresh, unpredictable, gripping and deeply touching and beautiful all at the same time … Bringing this story to life with the incredibly gifted team of Radar Pictures is truly a dream come true.” — Isaac Ezban, Director

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• “I have been obsessed with this music ever since I spotted the iconic H.R. Giger album cover lurking in my cool older cousin’s vinyl collection,” — Tim Hedrick, Screenwriter

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• “‘Karn Evil 9’ predates ‘The Matrix’ and ‘The Terminator,’ but it anticipates both of those films, as well as our present moment of technological chaos. I can’t wait to explore this world.” — Tim Hedrick, Screenwriter

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The film merges music, virtual reality and AI, reflecting cultural concerns about digital platforms shaping art and society. Using a classic prog-rock piece bridges generations and probes technology’s ethical stakes, implying potential benefit to humanity. Its development signals industry interest in speculative narratives that comment on current tech debates.

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