Richard Linklater to direct the animated Netflix film Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Adventure


Richard Linklater to direct Jack Black and Zachary Levi in the upcoming animated Netflix film Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Adventure

Richard Linklater is set to direct the animated Netflix film about the 1969 moon landing, Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Adventure. 

The streaming service has acquired the rights to the film, which stars Jack Black, Zachary Levi and Glen Powell and is a hybrid of hand-drawn and computer animation, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

Josh Wiggins, Milo Coy, Lee Eddy, Bill Wise, Natalie L’Amoreaux, Jessica Brynn Cohen, Sam Chipman and Danielle Guilbot complete the cast. 

Out of this world! Richard Linklater is set to direct the animated Netflix film about man’s first mission to the moon, Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Adventure

The movie takes place during the 1969 Apollo mission to the moon and has been inspired by Linklater’s childhood in Texas. 

The story follows the perspectives of the astronaut and mission control as the moon landings took place. It will also document the perspective of a child watching the moon landings from home. 

Linklater has penned the script for the project and will be producing for his Detour FilmProductions banner. 

Tommy Pallotta, Mike Blizzard, Femke Wolting and Bruno Felix are also serving as producers. 

Historic moment: Buzz Aldrin was one of the astronauts who was apart of the 1969 mission

Historic moment: Buzz Aldrin was one of the astronauts who was apart of the 1969 mission

Coming soon: The streaming service has acquired the rights to the film, which stars Jack Black, Zachary Levi and Glen Powell (Jack pictured 2019)

Strike a pose: Powell suited up for the 2019 GLSEN Respect Awards

Coming soon: The streaming service has acquired the rights to the film, which stars Jack Black, Zachary Levi and Glen Powell

Linklater admits that the movie has been a passion project for several years. 

The 59-year-old director told THR: ‘It struck me years ago that this was my film to make, from both a chronological and proximity level – I was there, going into third grade. 

‘Our unique animation style allows both the conjuring of a world long gone, and the flowing, playful expression of memory and imagination. It’s been a fun, creative journey to incorporate things like 3D graphics into a live action shoot to help bring this story to life.’ 

He's a star! Zachary Levi has joined the cast of the film telling the story of the 1969 moon landing

He’s a star! Zachary Levi has joined the cast of the film telling the story of the 1969 moon landing

Linklater’s previous work includes the Before franchise, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy as Jesse and Celine respectively. 

The 1995 romantic comedy Before Sunrise spawned two sequels in Before Sunset in 2004 and 2013’s Before Midnight. 

However, the filmmaker previously confessed that he didn’t want to rush a fourth movie. 

He told The Guardian: ‘Usually, at the five-year period, we go “what if Jesse and Celine…” We did look at each other – but until we have that great idea, we’re not going to do it just to do it. 

‘That’s how bad movies get made. Let’s see if Jesse and Celine have anything to say about being 50. We’re just following our instincts. You just feel your way through this s***.’ 

Moonstruck: The story follows the perspectives of the astronaut and mission control as the moon landings took place

Moonstruck: The story follows the perspectives of the astronaut and mission control as the moon landings took place