Apple Original Films has pre-emptively acquired the manuscript for 'Fallen Astronaut' by J S Mayank and David Carlyle in a high six-figure deal. Scott Glassgold's 1201 Films will produce the movie, described as a blend of 'Gravity' and 'A Few Good Men.' The authors will serve as executive producers on the project.
Acquisition Details
Apple Original Films secured the rights to 'Fallen Astronaut' through a pre-emptive bid during a publishing auction overseen by Verve Talent Agency. The manuscript, which circulated among book publishers just last week, features a tech-forward narrative including a key virtual reality sequence, aligning well with Apple's focus on innovative storytelling.
The deal, valued in the high six figures, positions the project as a cinematic adaptation rather than a straight book release. Sources indicate Apple acted swiftly to remove the manuscript from the auction table, highlighting the studio's interest in original content with strong visual and technological elements.
Production Team
Scott Glassgold of 1201 Films is set to produce the film for Apple. J S Mayank and David Carlyle, the manuscript's co-authors, will executive produce alongside him. Mayank has previously sold original TV pilots to ABC, CBS, and Syfy, and contributed writing to Netflix's 'The Fame Game.' Carlyle is preparing his feature film 'The Conundrum,' and the duo co-directed, wrote, and showran the six-part scripted audio series 'America 2.0' for Realm.
Glassgold's 1201 Films has had a busy 2025, setting up multiple high-profile projects including 'Ripped' at 20th Century Studios, 'After Shock' at Lionsgate, and others at various studios. All parties involved—Mayank, Carlyle, and Glassgold—are represented by Verve, with Glassgold also repped by Jeff Frankel.
Apple declined to comment on the acquisition. The film is billed as 'Gravity' meets 'A Few Good Men,' suggesting a mix of high-stakes space drama and intense courtroom thriller elements centered around an astronaut theme.