Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o is set to star in Lunik Heist, an ambitious Cold War-era heist film from Searchlight Pictures. Directed and written by two-time Oscar nominee Kemp Powers, the film also features Jared Leto and John Mulaney, rounding out a cast that brings both dramatic and comedic talent to this high-stakes narrative. Powers, known for his work on Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and One Night in Miami, adapts the screenplay from an article by Jeff Maysh, originally published in MIT Technology Review.
Set against the backdrop of 1959, Lunik Heist follows a bold, covert U.S. government mission to capture a Soviet spacecraft during a science exposition in Mexico City.
READ: Lupita Nyong’o and Chloe Grace Moretz Set to Headline UFC-Inspired Drama ‘Strawweight’
“We’re so thrilled to bring together such an exceptional team,” said Matthew Greenfield, president of Searchlight Pictures. “With the extraordinary talents of Jared, Lupita, and John, led by the visionary Kemp, Lunik Heist is a wild, roller-coaster ride, filled with subterfuge and unlikely heroes.”
Leto and Emma Ludbrook are producing the film under their Paradox banner, alongside Mark Johnson for Gran Via Productions. Jeff Maysh, who authored the original story, will serve as an executive producer. The film is shepherded by Zahra Phillips, director of development for Searchlight, with DanTram Nguyen overseeing production.
Nyong’o, celebrated for her Oscar-winning performance in 12 Years a Slave and roles in Black Panther, Us, and A Quiet Place: Day One, brings a formidable presence to Lunik Heist.
Powers, nominated for his work on One Night in Miami and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, brings his distinct storytelling vision to Lunik Heist. Known for blending complex narratives with cultural insight, Powers is represented by WME, Media Talent Group, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
Production and release details for Lunik Heist are expected to be announced soon.