Jared Leto, John Mulaney and Lupita Nyong’o Starring in Cold War Caper ‘Lunik Heist’ From Kemp Powers, Searchlight

Jared Leto, John Mulaney and Lupita Nyong’o will star in Searchlight Pictures’ “Lunik Heist,” a Cold War-era caper that is based on a true story. The film is written and directed by Oscar nominee Kemp Powers, the co-director of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and the writer of “One Night in Miami.”

“Lunik Heist” follows the American government’s plot to steal a Soviet spacecraft during a 1959 expedition in Mexico City and is based on an article by Jeff Maysh that was published in MIT Technology Review.

“We’re so thrilled to bring together such an exceptional team,” said Matthew Greenfield, president of Searchlight Pictures. “With the extraordinary talents of Jared, Lupita, and John, led by the visionary Kemp, ‘Lunik Heist’ is a wild, roller-coaster ride, filled with subterfuge and unlikely heroes.”

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Leto and Emma Ludbrook are producing under their Paradox banner, along with Mark Johnson for Gran Via Productions. Maysh serves as an executive producer.

Leto won an Oscar for his performance in “Dallas Buyers Club.” His credits include “Blade Runner 2049,” “Requiem for a Dream,” and “House of Gucci.” He next stars in “Tron: Ares.”

Mulaney is a Emmy Award-winning writer, comedian and actor. He recently created and hosted Netflix’s “John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA,” a six-night live comedy series that will return next year. He will appear on Broadway at the end of the year in “All In: Comedy About Love.” Other credits include “The Bear,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” and the stage show, “Oh, Hello On Broadway.”

Nyong’o won an Oscar for her performance in “12 Years a Slave.” Her other credits include “The Wild Robot,” “Black Panther,” and “Us.” She made her Broadway debut in “Eclipsed” and will next be seen in the Public Theater’s production of “The Twelfth Night.”

Powers is represented by WME, Media Talent Group and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole. Leto is represented by WME and Slate PR, Mulaney is represented by WME and Nyong’o by CAA, ID PR and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang.

Director of Development Zahra Phillips will be overseeing the project for Searchlight Pictures, reporting to Head of Production and Development DanTram Nguyen.