Natasha Lyonne to Direct Sci-Fi Film Exploring AI and AR Gaming With Tech Pioneer Jaron Lanier

Actress Natasha Lyonne is set to make her feature film directorial debut with *Uncanny Valley*, a project developed in collaboration with tech visionary Jaron Lanier and co-writer Brit Marling. The film will explore a near-future narrative centered around a teenage girl affected by a popular augmented reality (AR) video game. Blending live-action with immersive game elements, the movie is backed by Asteria, an AI-focused studio co-founded by Lyonne and filmmaker Bryn Mooser. The production will also utilize Marey, a copyright-cleared generative AI model developed by Moonvalley, a partner of Asteria. Unlike typical AI tools in film production, this project deeply integrates AI within its story and creative design. Lanier, known for his pioneering work in virtual reality and critical views on Big Tech, will contribute to building the interactive elements of the film. Both Lyonne and Marling, known for experimental narratives like *Russian Doll* and *The OA*, aim to challenge traditional storytelling boundaries. The film could mark an important moment in evaluating whether AI limits or enhances artistic expression. While its distribution method remains unclear, *Uncanny Valley* promises a unique blend of technology and humanity, driven by artists rather than programmers.