Taylor Jenkins Reid‘s bestselling space thriller Atmosphere is officially heading to theaters. Black Bear, the Academy Award-winning indie studio and distribution company, has acquired worldwide rights to Laika‘s live-action adaptation of the novel. The deal was announced on Thursday, September 24, 2026, by Matt Levin, Laika’s president of live-action films, and Katie Anderson, Black Bear’s EVP of acquisitions.
The acquisition followed a competitive bidding situation, with Black Bear coming out on top. The studio will release the film theatrically in the U.S. and its territories, co-finance the project with Laika, and handle international sales. The news was first reported by Variety and quickly picked up by outlets including Deadline, The Wrap, and ScreenDaily.
What Atmosphere Is About
Atmosphere is set against the backdrop of NASA’s Space Shuttle program in the 1980s. The story follows Joan, a brilliant young astronaut, and her fellow astronaut Vanessa. As they train for missions where every launch could be their last, the two women form a deep bond that changes both of their lives. When a catastrophe leaves them fighting for survival, they are pushed into a race against time that tests courage, sacrifice, and love.
The novel was released on June 3, 2025, by Ballantine Books and became an instant bestseller. It is Taylor Jenkins Reid‘s ninth novel and her first major departure from the famous-women stories that made her a household name, such as Daisy Jones & the Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck Are Directing
Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck adapted the novel for the screen and will co-direct the film. The duo is best known for directing Captain Marvel (2019), Half Nelson (2006), and Mississippi Grind (2015). Their most recent film was Freaky Tales in 2024.
Boden and Fleck were first attached to the project in May 2025, when Laika announced it would adapt the novel through its live-action division. At the time, the film was described as “a sweeping romance between two pioneering female astronauts breaking into NASA in the early days of the shuttle program in the late ’70s and early ’80s”.
Principal photography is scheduled to begin on October 19, 2026, in Atlanta. No cast members have been announced yet.
The Team Behind the Film
Atmosphere is a Laika production in association with Circle M+P. The producers include Travis Knight, Matt Levin, and Jeremy Kipp Walker for Laika; Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck; Taylor Jenkins Reid; and Brad Mendelsohn of Circle M+P. Maryse Knight and Zac Locke serve as executive producers.
What the Studio Heads Are Saying
Matt Levin, Laika’s president of live-action films, spoke about the partnership with Black Bear in a statement:
“From day one, our collaboration with Taylor, Brad, Ryan, and Anna has been anchored in a shared ambition to make a version of ‘Atmosphere’ that truly demands to be experienced as a major cinematic event. We couldn’t ask for a better partner than the world-class team at Black Bear, who share our passion for this story and have the vision, energy and global reach to ensure it reaches audiences around the world on the grandest possible stage.”
Katie Anderson, Black Bear’s EVP of acquisitions, also shared her thoughts:
“Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of the defining storytellers of her generation, and ‘Atmosphere’ is her most cinematic work yet. Boden & Fleck are among the rare filmmakers capable of delivering blockbuster spectacle without sacrificing emotional intimacy, making them the perfect creative partners to bring this extraordinary story to life.”
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Growing Hollywood Presence
Taylor Jenkins Reid has become one of the most adapted authors in recent years. Her novels have sold more than 24 million copies worldwide and have spawned multiple film and TV projects.
Daisy Jones & the Six was adapted into a limited series for Amazon Prime Video in 2023. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is currently in development at Netflix, with Anna Kendrick set to direct. The Atmosphere film adds another major project to her growing list of screen adaptations.
You May Also Like:
Black Bear’s Expanding Slate
Atmosphere joins Black Bear‘s growing domestic release slate, which the company says includes up to 12 releases annually. Recent Black Bear releases include The Rivals of Amziah King and Wicker. Meanwhile, Laika‘s next film, the animated feature Wildwood, is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026.
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere movie and all the latest entertainment news.
Leave a Reply