Film director Doug Liman returned to the Venice Film Festival this year to present his latest project, the XR thriller Asteroid. Nearly three decades have passed since Liman first gained recognition with his film Swingers, which premiered at the festival’s now-defunct sidebar for emerging directors. This year, he showcased Asteroid, one of 30 projects competing in the festival’s Immersive Competition.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Hailee Steinfeld, Rhenzy Feliz, DK Metcalf, Ron Perlman, Frieda Pinto, and Leon Mandel. Asteroid tells the story of a group of strangers who embark on a perilous mission to mine an asteroid using an old Russian Soyuz rocket. The dramatic twist reveals that only one of the travelers will return to Earth.
Produced by Liman’s company 30 Ninjas in collaboration with Google’s 100 Zeros, Asteroid is set to be part of a new wave of films launching alongside Android XR, a groundbreaking operating system that integrates AI, AR, and VR technologies. Liman emphasized his commitment to utilizing new technology in storytelling, stating, “I have always been interested in movies that reflect the moment they’re made.”
Liman’s admiration for director James Cameron was evident as he discussed the creative possibilities that modern technology offers. He recounted the significance of presenting his work in Venice, noting the personal connection to where he premiered Swingers. “I was able to make Swingers because of new technology,” he reflected.
The film’s execution posed significant technical challenges. Liman described Asteroid as “by far the most ambitious thing I’ve ever done,” highlighting the difficulty of filming in a confined space designed for virtual reality. The immersive experience includes a pre-chat with NFL player DK Metcalf generated by Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, alongside a 180-degree live-action short. Audiences can also participate in an interactive extension that allows them to investigate the events on the asteroid.
The storyline unfolds as the characters navigate chaotic situations within the Soyuz capsule, with tension building as they confront their motivations. Steinfeld’s character is portrayed as enigmatic, while Perlman plays an older astronaut struggling with the harsh conditions. Liman expressed his desire to create stories set in space that feature relatable characters, stating, “I’ve been very interested in doing movies or stories told in outer space with characters who have no business in being there.”
As the film’s unveiling generated excitement, Perlman noted the innovative aspects of working on an XR project, stating, “I thought that I had done everything in show business until I saw this.” His experience echoed the sentiments of the cast, who found the project both challenging and rewarding.
Looking to the future, Liman shared his ambition for further developments in the Asteroid story. He mentioned that the project began as a feature script, which he adapted into a short film, stating, “There is a full story I want to tell of Asteroid that is feature length or longer.”
While Liman remains committed to exploring the potential of this immersive experience, he has not yet received approval for a feature film. He acknowledged his ongoing interest in creating more installments for the XR format, emphasizing the unique storytelling opportunities it provides.
Additionally, Liman confirmed that he still intends to collaborate with Tom Cruise on a planned project set in outer space, although he did not offer specific updates on that venture. He remains enthusiastic about the possibilities of filming in space, stating, “I know I want to do more in space.”
As Liman continues to push the boundaries of storytelling through technology, Asteroid stands as a testament to his innovative vision, blending cinematic experience with immersive storytelling. The film’s release is highly anticipated, promising to engage audiences in a way that has never been done before.