Last year we heard that Catherynne M. Valente’s hit novel ‘Space Opera‘ was being developed as a feature film and now it has been announced that Joe Epstein will adapt it! Previously we had learned that Universal Pictures had already lined up Marc Platt (‘La La Land’), Adam Siegel (‘Drive’), and Colin Trevorrow (‘Jurassic World’) to produce the music-themed feature.
When the novel is referenced, we commonly hear that it feels like something that would fit perfectly on your bookshelf as the book is described as “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy meets the joy and glamour of Eurovision.” In it, we’ll see “sentient races compete for glory in a galactic musical contest…and the stakes are as high as the fate of planet Earth.”
Universal has Creative Executive Lexi Barta overseeing the project while Marc Platt Productions has Director of Development Katie McNicol taking care of it on their end. At this time a director, writer, and cast have yet to be announced.
While musicals have been mixed with genre work before, it doesn’t often happen with science fiction with most being mixed with horror or on a television series. I feel that the idea is one that could really resonate with a mixture of those who love science fiction or musicals and could be a fun piece that fits both sets of fans.
Are you excited about the idea of ‘Space Opera’ making its way to the big screen? Are there any actors you would love to see show off their singing chops in the film? Share your thoughts below!
Novel Synopsis:
A century ago, the Sentience Wars tore the galaxy apart and nearly ended the entire concept of intelligent space-faring life. In the aftermath, a curious tradition was invented—something to cheer up everyone who was left and bring the shattered worlds together in the spirit of peace, unity, and understanding.
Once every cycle, the great galactic civilizations gather for the Metagalactic Grand Prix—part gladiatorial contest, part beauty pageant, part concert extravaganza, and part continuation of the wars of the past. Species far and wide compete in feats of song, dance and/or whatever facsimile of these can be performed by various creatures who may or may not possess, in the traditional sense, feet, mouths, larynxes, or faces. And if a new species should wish to be counted among the high and the mighty, if a new planet has produced some savage group of animals, machines, or algae that claim to be, against all odds, sentient? Well, then they will have to compete. And if they fail? Sudden extermination for their entire species.
This year, though, humankind has discovered the enormous universe. And while they expected to discover a grand drama of diplomacy, gunships, wormholes, and stoic councils of aliens, they have instead found glitter, lipstick, and electric guitars. Mankind will not get to fight for its destiny—they must sing.
Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes have been chosen to represent their planet on the greatest stage in the galaxy. And the fate of Earth lies in their ability to rock.
Source: Deadline
