Barry Jenkins and Glen Powell Team Up for Universal’s Sci-Fi Thriller “The Natural Order”

by Annika March 13, 2025

Barry Jenkins’ upcoming Universal film, The Natural Order, now features Glen Powell in a starring role. This marks the first project under Powell and Dan Cohen’s first-look deal with Universal. This sci-fi thriller is based on Matthew Aldrich’s unpublished manuscript on the quest for immortality. Jenkins is also in potential talks to direct.

Barry Jenkins and Glen Powell Team Up for Universal’s Sci-Fi Thriller “The Natural Order”

– Universal has acquired the pitch for the movie ‘The Natural Order’, a sci-fi thriller based on an unpublished manuscript by Matthew Aldrich, with Glen Powell slated to star and Barry Jenkins in talks to direct, while also co-writing the script with Aldrich.
– This film will be Powell’s first project through his first-look deal with Universal, with producers including his partner Dan Cohen, Adele Romanski, and Mark Ceryak for Pastel, along with Jewerl Keats Ross.
– Powell, known for his roles in films like ‘Twisters’, is lined up for more projects including a starring role in Edgar Wright’s remake of ‘The Running Man’, to be released in November.

Glen Powell seems to be a perfect match for Barry Jenkins’ latest movie project. The pitch for the movie named The Natural Order, inspired by Matthew Aldrich’s yet-to-be-published manuscript, has been secured by Universal. The protagonist in the film will be played by Powell, and Jenkins is rumoured to be the potential director. Additionally, the script for the film is set to be written by both Jenkins and Aldrich, who is renowned for Coco.

The story of The Natural Order is a thrilling science fiction plot revolving around the pursuit of immortality.

The partnership with Universal for The Natural Order initiates Powell and producer Dan Cohen’s venture, Barnstorm’s first project. This movement arises from Universal’s first-look deal which began a month ago. Apart from Powell and Cohen, other major contributors include Adele Romanski and Mark Ceryak for Pastel, with Jewerl Keats Ross joining them as well.

Jenkins’ film prior to this was Disney’s prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King, released in the previous year. This feature has earned millions worldwide. Adding to his accolades, in 2016 his screenplay for Moonlight won him an Oscar.

Powell’s popularity as an actor has soared with films such as Twisters, a Universal sequel from last summer, increasing his demand in Hollywood. His future assignments include a prominent role in Edgar Wright’s remake of The Running Man, a Paramount release planned to hit theatre screens in November.

The in-studio oversight for The Natural Order will be handled by Universal’s senior executive in charge of production development, Erik Baiers.

Powell’s representation in this project is CAA and Johnson Shapiro, while Jenkins and Aldrich are managed by CAA, manager Ross, and attorney Jamie Feldman.

The first to break the news about The Natural Order was Deadline.