LaKeith Stanfield and Joey King are heading into decidedly unconventional territory with Safe Space, a new sci-fi romantic comedy that promises to put a bizarre extraterrestrial spin on modern dating, toxic relationships and intimacy.
The casting news comes shortly after Stanfield’s reported departure from the upcoming horror project Molepeople, which also saw director Rob Savage exit the production. Now, the actor is moving in a very different direction, joining King for a genre-bending comedy from filmmaker Gillian Wallace Horvat, best known for I Blame Society.
According to reports, Stanfield will portray an alien opposite King, who plays Sherrie, an intelligent but insecure scientist struggling to move on from a toxic relationship with a co-worker. Looking for a fresh start, Sherrie finds herself entering a rebound relationship with a handsome extraterrestrial, setting the stage for a romance that may prove just as dysfunctional as the one she left behind.
Described as an NSFW and satirical exploration of modern relationships, Safe Space aims to examine the complicated nature of love, sex, intimacy and human connection in an increasingly technology-driven society. By introducing an alien into the equation, the film looks set to approach familiar dating frustrations from a decidedly unconventional perspective.
The project is being produced by Karen Lunder through her production company, Outdoor Cat. Lunder has praised Horvat’s creative vision, describing the film as a wildly original interpretation of the future of dating and humanity.
Safe Space is currently seeking financing, with production expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027 in the United States. International sales are being handled by French sales company Lucky Number, with CAA Media Finance and WME Independent also involved in bringing the project to potential buyers. An exclusive sizzle reel is expected to be presented at the American Film Market.
For King, the project adds another intriguing title to her growing filmography, following her recent appearance in Practical Magic 2. Stanfield, meanwhile, continues to build an eclectic collection of screen credits, with I Love Boosters, The Wrong Girls, F.A.S.T., Lear Rex and Monsanto among his recent and upcoming projects.
With its combination of science fiction, adult comedy and relationship satire, Safe Space certainly sounds like something outside the usual romantic comedy formula. Whether audiences are ready for an extraterrestrial take on toxic dating remains to be seen, but the pairing of King and Stanfield makes this one worth keeping an eye on.
Safe Space does not currently have a release date.
Leave a Reply