Joey King and LaKeith Stanfield to Star in Alien Romance Comedy 'Safe Space'

Joey King and Oscar nominee LaKeith Stanfield will star in "Safe Space," a provocative sci-fi comedy about toxic relationships from filmmaker Gillian Wallace Horvat, with sales launching at the American Film Market.

French sales outfit Lucky Number is handling the launch alongside CAA Media Finance and WME Independent, and will unveil an exclusive sizzle reel for buyers at the market. The announcement, first reported by Variety, lands with the project still in the financing stage — no budget figure has been disclosed, and no distributor has yet boarded.

What is the film about?

"Safe Space" is described as a satirical dive into the meaning of sex and love. King plays Sherrie, an intelligent but insecure scientist who exits a toxic relationship with a co-worker, only to rebound into what the producers call the most toxic relationship in the galaxy — with a gorgeous alien played by Stanfield.

The film blends science fiction, romance and comedy, and explores how people bond and communicate in an increasingly screen-driven society.

"Working with Joey and LaKeith has been an unbelievable creative realization of the script," Horvat said. "Their chemistry is eye-searing. The two of them combined are going to be a revelation for audiences."

Chemistry claims made before a single frame is shot deserve scrutiny, but the casting pairs two actors with strong recent form.

Who is making it?

The project marks the sophomore feature of Horvat, whose debut, "I Blame Society," premiered at Rotterdam in 2020 and was named one of the best films of 2021 by New York Magazine. She is managed by David Kopple at Entertainment 360.

Karen Lunder produces through her banner Outdoor Cat. Lunder previously worked on Denis Villeneuve's "Arrival" and Ron Howard's "Thirteen Lives" before launching the company.

"Gillian is a bold filmmaker with an impeccable vision and command of tone," Lunder said. "What she has created with 'Safe Space' is a wildly original take on the future of dating and humanity. LaKeith and Joey are going to combust on screen together and I cannot wait to make this movie and share it with the world."

Lucky Number said the project stood out immediately. "We fell in love with 'Safe Space' from the very first read," the company said. "Gillian Wallace Horvat has created something wildly original, smart, provocative and wickedly funny, with a singular voice and a wonderfully irreverent spirit." The company added: "Beneath its outrageous premise and playful humour lies a remarkably sharp take on relationships, intimacy and the absurdities of modern life."

When will it shoot?

Production is planned for the second quarter of 2027 in the U.S. Further casting is underway, with additional names to be announced. Stanfield is represented by CAA, King by WME, and Lunder by Linda Lichter at LGNFRS&C.

What does this change for the stars?

For King, the role extends a run that includes "Practical Magic 2" alongside Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, "Bullet Train" opposite Brad Pitt, and Hulu's limited series "We Were the Lucky Ones." She earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for playing Gypsy Rose Blanchard in "The Act," opposite Patricia Arquette.

For Stanfield, it follows an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor in "Judas and the Black Messiah," with credits including Jordan Peele's "Get Out," the Safdie brothers' "Uncut Gems" and Lynne Ramsay's "Die My Love."

Lunder is currently in production on "A Woman in the Sun," the directorial debut of Julia Cox, for Black Bear Pictures and Artists Equity, starring Renée Zellweger, Sissy Spacek and Mia Threapleton.

If AFM buyers respond to the sizzle reel as Lucky Number did to the script, "Safe Space" could secure financing well before cameras roll in 2027.