Joey King, LaKeith Stanfield to Star in Provocative Alien Romance Comedy ‘Safe Space,’ Lucky Number, CAA Media Finance and WME Independent Launching Sales at AFM (EXCLUSIVE)

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Joey King (“Bullet Train,” “The Act”) and Oscar-nominated LaKeith Stanfield (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) are set to star in “Safe Space,” a provocative sci-fi comedy about toxic relationships from Independent Spirit Award-nominated filmmaker Gillian Wallace Horvat (“I Blame Society”).

French sales outfit Lucky Number is launching sales on the project at the American Film Market alongside CAA Media Finance and WME Independent. Lucky Number will unveil an exclusive sizzle reel for buyers at the market.

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Described as a satirical dive into the meaning of sex and love, “Safe Space” stars King as Sherrie, an intelligent but insecure scientist who gets out of a toxic relationship with her co-worker only to rebound into the most toxic relationship in the galaxy with a gorgeous alien, played by Stanfield.

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

Blending science fiction, romance and comedy, the timely film explores the ways in which people bond and communicate in an increasingly screen-driven society.

“Safe Space” is currently in the financing stage, with a shoot planned for the second quarter of 2027 in the U.S. Further casting is underway, with additional names to be announced.

The project marks the sophomore outing of Horvat, whose directorial debut, “I Blame Society,” premiered at Rotterdam in 2020 and was subsequently named one of the best films of 2021 by New York Magazine.

The film is produced by Karen Lunder through her banner Outdoor Cat.

“Gillian is a bold filmmaker with an impeccable vision and command of tone. 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,” said Lunder, who previously worked on Denis Villeneuve’s “Arrival” and Ron Howard’s “Thirteen Lives,” before launching Outdoor Cat.

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

King recently starred alongside Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in “Practical Magic 2.” Her other credits include “Bullet Train,” opposite Brad Pitt, and Hulu’s critically acclaimed limited series “We Were the Lucky Ones.” She earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of Gypsy Rose Blanchard in “The Act,” opposite Patricia Arquette.

Stanfield earned an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor for his performance in “Judas and the Black Messiah.” His film credits also include 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. The film stars Renée Zellweger, Sissy Spacek and Mia Threapleton.

Horvat is managed by David Kopple at Entertainment 360. Stanfield is represented by CAA, King by WME and Lunder by Linda Lichter at LGNFRS&C.