Justin Simienhas had a busy few years, with his critical success helming the Netflix seriesDear White Peopleand tackling the Disney reboot ofHaunted Mansion.But now, he will be jumping into the world of comic book films, as Simien is set to adaptHeist: Or How to Steal a Planet,according toThe Hollywood Reporter. The film will be based on the sci-fi comic series of the same name from Vault Comics.
While not one of the more well-known comic series,Heist: Or How to Steal a Planetpresents a unique foray into the world of science-fiction. The comic, created byPaul TobinandArjuna Susini,is set on a planet known as Heist, where the worst criminals in the galaxy reside. While the galactic government is at its wit’s end with Heist, the protagonist Glane Breld works with a gang of thieves to try and steal the entire planet.
Details remain slim on the adaptation, but Simien will direct the feature from a script byChristopher Yost,best known for helming screenplays for the MCU’sThor: The Dark WorldandThor: Ragnarok, as well as theStar Warsspinoff seriesThe Mandalorian.Also getting in on the action isTommy Oliver,who will produceHeist: Or How to Steal a PlanetalongsideWayne Horton.Simien will executive produce alongsideKyle Laursenfor their production banner Culture Machine, whileDamian WasselandF.J. DeSantowill EP for Vault. In a statement, Oliver said:
“Vault’sHow to Steal a Planetis just a good time.I can’t imagine a better duo than Justin Simien and Christopher Yostto bring this to the screen, especially as a part of Confluential’sgrowing slate of tentpole films from creators of color,”
Simien Has Made a Name For Himself as a Director
While he broke onto the scene with theaforementionedDear White People,it was Simien’s turn behind the camera forHaunted Mansionthat put him on the map as a major studio director. However, he was no slouch when it came toDear White People,which is often considered one of the greatest television shows of the last decade.
Simien also made headlines when it was announced that he would be helming a Lando CalrissianStar Warsseries for Disney+. However, it was reported last summer that Simien had exited the projectin favor of brothersStephen GloverandDonald Glover.However, it appears that Simien remains a sought-after talent in Hollywood, if his new project is any indication. He is also slated to direct Paramount+‘sreboot series ofFlashdance.
“How To Steal a Planetwowed me and I’mhumbled by the challenge of bringing a genre bending dose of afro-futurism to the culture,” Simien said in a statement.
No release window has been announced. Stay tuned to Collider for more information. In the meantime, Simien’sHaunted Mansionis streaming now on Disney+.
