Stampede Ventures has given the go-ahead for the production of Space Cadet, a romantic comedy film starring Emma Roberts and directed by Liz W. Garcia. Stampede will be providing the funding for the future feature, and Prime Video has signed on as the worldwide digital distributor. The film will have an exclusive international release on Prime Video. The forthcoming film, written and directed by Garcia, follows Rex (Roberts), a Florida party girl who accidentally enrols in NASA’s space programme and soon realises that she is the agency’s only chance. She may be competing with cadets who are better qualified academically, but she will utilise her “smarts, passion, and moxie” to succeed.
The film’s filming is scheduled to begin in September, and other cast members will be announced at a later date. Prime Video’s Director of Worldwide Film Licensing, Matt Huntley, is “thrilled” to be collaborating with Stampede Ventures to bring Space Cadet to the service. “In these trying times, everyone could use a little bit of lightheartedness and excitement, and I have no doubt that Prime Video subscribers all across the world will find both in this delightful film.” Garcia is not only writing and directing the picture, but also serving as an executive producer with film actress Julia Roberts, Gideon Yu and Chris Bosco of Ventures, and Michael Tadross.
Production for Stampede will be handled by Stampede co-founder Greg Silverman and Stampede Ventures President of Production Jon Berg. Berg: “Emma’s wonderful wit and comic timing perfectly represent the part of Rex, and Liz’s representation of this character makes the female take-over of the STEM sector so uniquely relevant and enjoyable, and we hope it motivates young women interested in the subject.” We are confident that people all across the world will relate to this inspiring female-driven story since “the space race continues to captivate all of us internationally.” Roberts previously played alongside Luke Bracey in the Netflix romantic comedy Holidate, which was also directed by Whitesell.
She’ll play Mary Parker in the planned 2023 Spider-Man spin-off film Madame Web, and she’s now producing the series Tell Me Lies based on Carola Lovering’s novel of the same name under her Belletrist TV production business. Previous works by Garcia include The Lifeguard (2013), a drama starring Kristen Bell that made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. She has written for shows including The Sinner, Wonderfalls, and Dawson’s Creek, and she is also the executive producer of Katori Hall’s Starz drama P-Valley and the co-executive producer of the first season. Purple Hearts, starring Sofia Carson, will be released on Netflix in 2022. Production on Space Cadet will start in September.