‘Legally Blonde’ Director Robert Luketic to Tackle Survival Thriller ‘Resurface’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Robert Luketic is going outside his comfort zone.

As a seasoned film critic, I’ve been following the career of this director who has made a name for herself with hilarious female-driven comedies like “Legally Blonde” and “Monster-in-Law.” Now, she’s venturing into new territories, having agreed to direct Forte Corp Pictures’ “Resurface,” an exhilarating survival thriller that takes place in the depths of the Mariana Trench, the ocean’s deepest abyss.

Based on the screenplay by Pete Bridges (“Deep Water”), “Resurface” tells the story of a thrilling struggle against time following an undersea earthquake that wreaks havoc on a deep-sea research station at the depths of the Mariana Trench. Two individuals left stranded must make their way up 35,000 feet to reach the surface before their oxygen supply runs out.

Australian production company Forte Corp Pictures has recently been involved in a number of high-profile film projects. One of these is Michael Gracey’s Robbie Williams biopic, “Better Man,” which earned nine Australian AACTA awards and was nominated for an Academy Award for best visual effects. Additionally, the company supported Ron Howard’s survival thriller, “Eden,” as well as George Miller’s “Three Thousand Years of Longing,” which made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.

Craig McMahon, known for “Better Man”, is set to collaborate with Todd Fellman, famous for “The Portable Door”, on a project at Forte Corp Pictures. David Conley, recognized by his work in “Avatar: The Way of Water”, will serve as an executive producer.

The financing for this project will be managed by McMahon’s Elevate Production Finance, who are currently showcasing it to potential buyers at Cannes. The main filming, or principal photography, is scheduled to happen in Melbourne, Australia.

As a cinephile, I, Luketic, am ready to weave a captivating tale with “The Mauritanian.” Using an artful blend of silence and precise sound design, I intend to create a cinematic atmosphere that resonates deeply. It’s crucial for me to provide space for tranquility – those poignant moments when the audience can truly feel the stakes at hand, connecting with the story on a deeper level.

An accomplished aviator, Luketic brings his flight expertise to shape the movie’s atmosphere. He’s also collaborated with marine specialists and the Royal Australian Navy to heighten authenticity.

Essentially, this tale revolves around resilience and rekindling bonds amidst stressful situations – it’s a genre thriller that consistently maintains its focus on the human aspect. We recognized early on that this undertaking required a director who could masterfully blend grandeur with intimacy. Robert, with his unique combination of visual acuity, profound emotions, and technical expertise, is just such a director, and we’re overjoyed to have him involved in our project.

Luketic is represented by three entities: Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Mosaic, and the law firm Goodman, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher.

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2025-05-20 13:17