Joseph Kosinski is staying busy. His last film, F1: The Movie, is currently making the rounds on the awards circuit. He is also eyeing sequels to his Jerry Bruckheimer–produced hits, and he has a new project that has people talking. Kosinski, also known for Tron: Legacy and Oblivion, will return to sci‑fi with another Bruckheimer project he calls “science fact” rather than science fiction.
In Deadline’s Behind the Lens interview, Kosinski talks about his career, directing big stars like Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, and his close work with producer Jerry Bruckheimer. He also hints at a bold sci‑fi project that could bend the rules of the genre:
“I’ve got something I’m working on with Jerry Bruckheimer about these UAPs, these unidentified aerial phenomena. So, we’re working with two people that are at the very center of the topic. So, the conversations with them are just fascinating. Zach Baylin’s writing the script right now. Very exciting project. Trying to get that ready as soon as possible.”
“You would think it’s science fiction, but I think we’re finding out it’s science fact. So, that’s what the film is about, and I think it is one of those things that I think everyone will want to go see.”
Kosinski has built a reputation as a film visionary, starting with his 2010 debut directing Tron: Legacy. He later gave audiences Oblivion, Only the Brave, Top Gun: Maverick, and F1: The Movie. For Top Gun: Maverick, he earned nominations at the Saturn Awards and the Directors Guild of America Awards, and his projects have had strong box office runs.
In discussing his sci‑fi background, Kosinski notes that Oblivion was an original story and a special opportunity. He also spoke about earlier ideas to remake classic sci‑fi works, like Logan’s Run and The Black Hole, but those plans didn’t move forward. He adds:
“I do love science fiction, I love the ideas. I grew up a fan of 2001 [A Space Odyssey], and just feel like science fiction is an incredible way to explore ideas like that.”
Looking at the broader landscape, 2025 saw several sci‑fi releases that underperformed at the box office, though some titles earned strong reviews, such as Avatar: Fire and Ash and Superman. As for 2026, fans can expect major sci‑fi releases, including Dune: Part Three, Disclosure Day, The Dog Stars, Project Hail Mary, and many new TV and streaming projects tied to popular franchises.
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English (US) · 