George Clooney returns to space with Cuaron’s ‘Gravity’

Despite recently acting as a producer to help other Mexican filmmakers rise to prominence, it has been a long wait for a new film by Children of Men helmer Alfonso Cuaron. The wait will not last much longer. His next effort, Gravity, has attracted some big names along the way – Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr. Now, perhaps the biggest name of all, George Clooney, will join Sandra Bullock in the expensive sci-fi thriller and finally allow the film to enter production.

Clooney will replace Downey Jr., who, despite being attached to Gravity since March was forced to back out due to scheduling issues after signing on to produce and possibly star in How To Talk To Girls. Cuaron, who co-wrote the script with his son Jonas and Rodrigo Garcia, struggled to find his female lead after the above starlets all declined – each time pushing production back. With Clooney on board, filming is set to begin this Spring after the actor finishes up directing his political drama, The Ides of March. Harry Potter producer Davide Heyman and Todd Moyer will produce the Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures feature.

Gist: Clooney will fill a supporting role for Bullock who will play a lone survivor of a space mission to repair the Hubble telescope, who desperately tries to return to Earth and reunite with her daughter.

Worth Noting: Back in June, UK special effects company Framestore advertised for people to join their Gravity crew and release many details surrounding the film’s production. It will be shot in 3D and encompass approximately 60% CG feature animation. Similar to Children of Men, the film will feature a 20-minute un-cut shot.

Do We Care?: We would be excited about this film even if Cuaron casted a bunch of no-name actors. Cuaron’s distinctive style matched with his willingness to take expensive risks results in original and compelling stories. With Oscar-winning actors on board, the potential for another great film only increases.