Black Bear has acquired worldwide distribution rights to "Atmosphere," Laika's live-action adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's bestselling novel, and will release the film theatrically in the U.S. and its territories. The deal, announced by Matt Levin, Laika's president of live-action films, and Katie Anderson, Black Bear's EVP of acquisitions, closed after what the companies described as a highly competitive situation.

Black Bear, the Academy Award-winning indie studio and distribution company behind "The Imitation Game," "Sing Sing" and "Train Dreams," will also co-finance the film with Laika and serve as its international sales agent.

"Atmosphere" is the latest global hit from Jenkins Reid, whose novels have sold more than 24 million copies worldwide and generated multiple film and television adaptations, including "Daisy Jones & the Six" and "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo." The story is set amid NASA's Space Shuttle program in the 1980s and follows Joan, a brilliant young astronaut, and her compatriots as they prepare for missions where every launch could be their last.

"As the missions unfold, Joan and fellow astronaut Vanessa forge a bond that will forever shape their lives," the official synopsis reads. "But when catastrophe leaves them fighting for survival, they are propelled into an impossible race against time that will test the limits of courage, sacrifice, and love."

Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the filmmaking duo behind "Captain Marvel" and "Half Nelson," will direct the film after adapting the novel themselves.

Levin framed the deal as the culmination of a long creative alignment. "From day one, our collaboration with Taylor, Brad, Ryan, and Anna has been anchored in a shared ambition to make a version of 'Atmosphere' that truly demands to be experienced as a major cinematic event," he said. "We couldn't ask for a better partner than the world-class team at Black Bear, who share our passion for this story and have the vision, energy and global reach to ensure it reaches audiences around the world on the grandest possible stage."

Anderson called the project a natural fit for Black Bear's slate. "'Atmosphere' is exactly the kind of bold, ambitious event film Black Bear is passionate about bringing to audiences — an emotionally resonant theatrical experience from visionary filmmakers, anchored by unforgettable characters and breathtaking scale," she said.

She added: "Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of the defining storytellers of her generation, and 'Atmosphere' is her most cinematic work yet. Boden & Fleck are among the rare filmmakers capable of delivering blockbuster spectacle without sacrificing emotional intimacy, making them the perfect creative partners to bring this extraordinary story to life. We're thrilled to partner with them, Circle, and the Laika team to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences worldwide."

"Atmosphere" is a Laika production in association with Circle M+P. The producers are Laika's Travis Knight, Matt Levin and Jeremy Kipp Walker; Boden and Fleck; Jenkins Reid; and Brad Mendelsohn of Circle M+P. Laika's Maryse Knight and Zac Locke serve as executive producers.

Boden and Fleck are represented by WME and Entertainment 360. Jenkins Reid is represented by Circle Management + Production, Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management, WME, Jill Fritzo PR and Goodman Genow Schenkman Smelkinson + Christopher, LLP.

The film is Laika's most visible step yet into live-action theatrical event filmmaking, pairing the animation studio's brand with Jenkins Reid's 24-million-copy readership under a distributor with a proven awards track record. No release date has been announced.