Washington [USA], director Greg Berlanti has shared insights into the making of his latest romantic comedy-drama, 'Fly Me to the Moon', highlighting the unexpected journey from planning a streaming release to a theatrical debut.
Berlanti spoke candidly at a friends-and-family screening of the film held at San Vicente Bungalows, underscoring the film's unique appeal and the chemistry between its stars, according to Variety.
Initially scheduled for a direct streaming release, Berlanti revealed that testing audiences in several states, including California and Texas, prompted a change in plans.
"Each time there was a resounding response that this was a theatrical film," Berlanti explained, acknowledging the positive feedback from test screenings, according to Variety.
Produced by Apple Original Films and distributed by Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures, 'Fly Me to the Moon' offers a reimagined version of the space race era.
The film stars Channing Tatum as Cole Davis, a former military pilot overseeing the launch of Apollo 11, and Scarlett Johansson as Kelly Jones, a savvy New York advertising executive tasked with promoting the space program.
Berlanti highlighted the public's appreciation for the film's originality in a historical fiction setting.
"They were very grateful for an original story... that revolved around that," he noted, according to Variety.
Johansson initially approached Berlanti to direct after a previous project fell through, and the chemistry between Tatum and Johansson was evident from the first read.
"They can both have chemistry with a wall, but you don't know until you have them together," Berlanti joked, adding, "From the moment the reading was done, it was instantaneous."
In addition to Tatum and Johansson, the cast includes Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano, Jim Hash and Anna Garcia.
Filming took place primarily in Georgia and on the NASA campus in Florida, which contributed to the film's authentic backdrop and setting.
Despite the challenges, including working with cats despite their allergies, Berlanti praised the intelligence and adaptability of the feline actors on set.
"Of all the animals I've worked with, these cats were the smartest and easiest to deal with," he shared.
'Fly Me to the Moon' will be released in theaters on July 12 and promises audiences a mix of historical intrigue, romantic sparks and unexpected twists.
As Berlanti and the cast prepare for the film's release, there is much anticipation for its reception among critics and moviegoers alike.
Berlanti spoke candidly at a friends-and-family screening of the film held at San Vicente Bungalows, underscoring the film's unique appeal and the chemistry between its stars, according to Variety.
Initially scheduled for a direct streaming release, Berlanti revealed that testing audiences in several states, including California and Texas, prompted a change in plans.
"Each time there was a resounding response that this was a theatrical film," Berlanti explained, acknowledging the positive feedback from test screenings, according to Variety.
Produced by Apple Original Films and distributed by Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures, 'Fly Me to the Moon' offers a reimagined version of the space race era.
The film stars Channing Tatum as Cole Davis, a former military pilot overseeing the launch of Apollo 11, and Scarlett Johansson as Kelly Jones, a savvy New York advertising executive tasked with promoting the space program.
Berlanti highlighted the public's appreciation for the film's originality in a historical fiction setting.
"They were very grateful for an original story... that revolved around that," he noted, according to Variety.
Johansson initially approached Berlanti to direct after a previous project fell through, and the chemistry between Tatum and Johansson was evident from the first read.
"They can both have chemistry with a wall, but you don't know until you have them together," Berlanti joked, adding, "From the moment the reading was done, it was instantaneous."
In addition to Tatum and Johansson, the cast includes Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano, Jim Hash and Anna Garcia.
Filming took place primarily in Georgia and on the NASA campus in Florida, which contributed to the film's authentic backdrop and setting.
Despite the challenges, including working with cats despite their allergies, Berlanti praised the intelligence and adaptability of the feline actors on set.
"Of all the animals I've worked with, these cats were the smartest and easiest to deal with," he shared.
'Fly Me to the Moon' will be released in theaters on July 12 and promises audiences a mix of historical intrigue, romantic sparks and unexpected twists.
As Berlanti and the cast prepare for the film's release, there is much anticipation for its reception among critics and moviegoers alike.
