Poker Face’s Natasha Lyonne Sets Directorial Debut Movie, Title & Details Revealed

Poker Face star Natasha Lyonne is teaming up with Brit Marling (The OA, A Murder at the End of the World) and computer scientist Jaron Lanier for her feature directorial debut, Uncanny Valley. 

Asteria Studios, an “ethically sourced” AI-based  studio, announced that the actress is set to create a “hybrid film,” which combines both the elements of traditional live-action filmmaking and generative AI. Lyonne co-founded Asteria Studios alongside Bryn Mooser. 

What is Uncanny Valley about? 

Uncanny Valley will center on a teenage girl named Mila, whose sense of reality is challenged after experiencing a malfunction in a popular AR video game. A representative from Asteria (via The Hollywood Reporter) said that the project will “blend traditional storytelling techniques with cutting-edge AI technologies to create a radical new cinematic experience.”

The announcement follows the hugely debated integration of AI into filmmaking, with critics arguing that it could possibly undermine authentic storytelling. However, in a statement shared by THR, Mooser clarified that the project still integrates human touch. 

“When artists lead the tech instead of the other way round, trailblazing and unexpected advancements are possible,” said Mooser. 

Though Uncanny Valley will mark Lyonne’s feature directorial debut, she previously directed episodes of Orange Is the New Black, Russian Doll, and Poker Face — all of which she also starred in. 

The actress has starred in a number of movies and television shows, including Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Dennis the Menace, American Pie, Scary Movie 2, Blade: Trinity, Girl Most Likely, Addicted to Fresno, Sleeping With Other People, The Intervention, Jack Goes Home, Girlfriend’s Day, Ad Astra, Uncut Gems, His Three Daughters, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday, among many others. She can also next be seen in the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Other details about Uncanny Valley remain under wraps, including the release date.

Source: Comingsoon.net