Cynthia Erivo Stars in Universal’s New Sci-Fi Horror Franchise: ‘Saturation Point’

This week, as Universal Pictures releases Jurassic World: Rebirth, the studio is also planning a new potential sci-fi horror franchise. Cynthia Erivo, star of Universal’s Wicked movies, alongside producers Michael Bay and Brad Fuller, will adapt the sci-fi thriller novel Saturation Point by British sci-fi master Adrian Tchaikovsky. The adaptation will be scripted by Minnie Schedeen. Erivo and Universal both have production deals with Platinum Dunes.

– Universal Pictures is set to adapt the sci-fi action thriller ‘Saturation Point’ into a potential horror franchise. The film will star Cynthia Erivo and is produced by Michael Bay and Brad Fuller’s Platinum Dunes.
– The movie plot involves Dr. Jasmine Marks, the protagonist, leading a dangerous search and rescue mission in a deadly Earth zone. Erivo, an Oscar nominee, will also be a producer for the film via her Edith’s Daughter banner, which has a first-look deal with Universal Pictures.
– Adrian Tchaikovsky’s 2024 novel ‘Saturation Point’ will be adapted into the film’s script by Minnie Schedeen. Tchaikovsky is a known figure in British sci-fi and an Arthur C. Clarke and BSFA Award winner.

This week Universal Pictures, home to the opening of Jurassic World: Rebirth, is forging ahead with what could potentially evolve into a fresh sci-fi horror franchise.

The headliner of the studio’s Wicked series, Cynthia Erivo, has joined forces with Michael Bay and Brad Fuller of Platinum Dunes. Their aim is to shape the sci-fi action-adventure movie Saturation Point for Universal.

The screenplay will be written by Minnie Schedeen, who will be sourcing material from the novel penned by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Tchaikovsky is renowned for being a skilled novelist in the realm of British sci-fi, and has won both Arthur C. Clarke and BSFA Awards.

The narrative of the book, which is set to release in 2024, spins a chilling story of an Earth with a region so scorching and moist that the survival of humans proves to be difficult. Dr. Jasmine Marks, the protagonist, inevitably enters this area leading a search and rescue mission. Her shocking discovery – the region is even more lethal than previously perceived. Additionally, her corporate employers could be deceiving her and not all intelligent creatures in the region are necessarily human.

The business end of production will be helmed by Erivo through her production company, Edith’s Daughter, supported by Solome Williams of the same company. This establishment has a standing first look agreement with Universal.

Bay and Fuller will also be in charge of production through the first look deal that Platinum Dunes has made with Universal. The major tasks for Platinum Dunes will be supervised and executive produced by Alex Ginno.

The final decision making for the entire movie rests in the hands of Universal’s heads of production development, Ryan Jones and Christine Sun.

Erivo’s recent recognition includes an Oscar nomination for her role as the green witch Elphaba in Wicked. The film achieved a graceful worldwide gross of nearly $800 million, and managed an impressive ten Oscar nominations along with taking home two wins. Erivo plans to roll out her repetition of the role in Wicked: For Good, which will hit cinemas on Nov. 21.

Platinum Dunes has horror and action merged into its genetic code, the company successfully produced the popular A Quiet Place and The Purge series. Also under their belt are films like Ouija and live-action adaptations of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.