Esmail Corp and AfterShock Media Team Up for New Sci-Fi Thriller Comic ‘Astronaut Down’ at Netflix with F. Scott Frazier Adaptation
Esmail Corp Collaborates with AfterShock Media on ‘Astronaut Down’ Adaptation
Esmail Corp, founded by acclaimed writer Sam Esmail, is in partnership with AfterShock Media to adapt the sci-fi thriller Astronaut Down. This feature film will be based on the 2023 comic book of the same name, with F. Scott Frazier, known for xXx: Return of Xander Cage, set to write the screenplay for Netflix.
The original comic, crafted by award-winning writer James Patrick, features illustrations by Spanish artist Rubine. The plot centers on Douglas Spritzer, an astronaut tasked with a perilous mission across alternate realities to avert an impending catastrophe on Earth. As the story unfolds, Douglas faces unforeseen challenges that test both his training and humanity, all while grappling with a dangerous secret that threatens to derail his mission.
Sam Esmail and Chad Hamilton will serve as producers through Esmail Corp, alongside Lee and Jon Kramer from AfterShock Media. Nick Krishnamurthy will take on the role of executive producer, with James Patrick providing consulting support.
This new project marks Esmail Corp’s return to Netflix following the success of Leave the World Behind, a thriller starring Mahershala Ali and Julia Roberts that became the platform’s eighth-most popular film with over 143 million views.
F. Scott Frazier, who is currently working on the spy thriller The Initiative starring Angelina Jolie, has also collaborated with Jimmy Loweree on the action-adventure film Outdueled. He is represented by CAA, manager Chris Cowles at Alldayeveryday, and attorneys Jeff Frankel and Robert Goldman at McKuin Frankel Whitehead.
Esmail Corp has a notable history in television, producing the breakout series Mr. Robot, and has been involved in several other projects such as Briarpatch, Homecoming, and Gaslit. Upcoming film projects include Panic Carefully, set to release next February via Warner Bros., and Jody Hill’s A24 film Famous, starring Zac Efron.
AfterShock Media, comprised of Rive Gauche and AfterShock Comics, is also developing Undone by Blood with AMC Studios, featuring Tony Tost as showrunner, and is represented by Neil Sacker at Sacker Entertainment Law.
