Natalie Portman’s space drama Lucy in the Sky to travel the stars this fall

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Back in March, we got our first look at Noah Hawley's LUCY IN THE SKY starring Natalie Portman as a space traveler who returns to Earth psychologically shaken after completing a lengthy mission. In time, she loses touch with reality while beginning a life-altering affair with another astronaut, Mark. The intense and spellbinding trailer showcased Hawley's keen eye for eye-popping visuals, as well as Portman's ability to keep audience members transfixed on her character, Lucy Cola.

Today, it's been announced that LUCY IN SKY is getting an Oscar bait-worthy release in theaters on October 4.

Hawley, known for his stupendous and stylish work on series the likes of FARGO and FX's LEGION, was inspired by the real-life story of Lisa Nowak for the film – a former astronaut who, after returning from a 13-day mission, drove nearly 900 miles from Houston to Orlando in an attempt to kidnap her ex-lover’s new partner in February 2007. Truth be told, I can still recall when this story was all over the news, thinking that it would only be a matter of time before someone landed the rights to Nowak's story.

Originally, the film was titled PALE BLUE DOT and featured LEGALLY BLONDE franchise alum Reese Witherspoon in the lead role. As it happens, Witherspoon is still involved in the project, and will serve as an executive producer alongside Bruna Papandrea. Hawley, and John Cameron.

Starring alongside Portman for the mind-bending astronaut drama are Ellen Burstyn (THE EXORCIST, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM), Dan Stevens (LEGION, STARDUST), Zazie Beetz (ATLANTA, DEADPOOL 2), Colman Domingo (FEAR THE WALKING DEAD), as well as MAD MEN alum Jon Hamm.

Having been a major fan of Hawley's work for several years running, I simply cannot wait to see how he warps Nowak's tale into something otherworldly and emotionally crippling. Mesmerizing visuals are Hawley's cup of tea, and with such a stellar cast backing him up, I've no doubt that this will be a film to watch come October of this year.

LUCY IN THE SKY will blast off in theaters on October 4th.