Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Birds of Prey) and Xochitl Gomez (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) have been cast as leads in Ursa Major, a new sci-fi thriller directed by Jonathan and Josh Baker (Kin). The story follows Charlie (Winstead) and her teenage daughter Natalie (Xochitl Gomez) as they struggle to survive on a hostile, Earth-like planet. As they evade relentless hunters and brace for a deadly storm, Natalie begins to question her mother’s decisions, the truth about their circumstances, and the secrets she’s been told.
The film is written by Emmy-nominated Station Eleven creator Patrick Somerville, alongside Colleen O’Brien and Katie French. Somerville also joins David Eisenberg as a producer under their Tractor Beam banner. Other producers include John Finemore (Lost City), Mason Novick (MXN Entertainment), and Artists First’s Allen Fischer and Brian Steinberg. XYZ Films will handle worldwide sales and introduce the project to buyers at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
A Star-Studded Production Team Including Xochitl Gomez
Winstead’s recent roles include the Netflix action thriller Kate and her acclaimed performances in Birds of Prey and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Gomez, best known for her breakout role as America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, continues to rise in Hollywood with this exciting new project.
The Baker Brothers, known for their 2018 debut Kin, bring their signature blend of action and heartfelt storytelling to Ursa Major. This marks another ambitious entry in XYZ Films’ growing slate, which includes the sci-fi Ash with Tessa Thompson and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Blackberry, starring Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton.
With a thrilling premise and a powerhouse cast and crew, Ursa Major promises a gripping story of survival, secrets, and the bonds between mother and daughter.
