“Fly Me to the Moon” director Channing Tatu and Scarlett Johansson’s chemistry

Director Greg Berlanti would not plan on letting his new romantic comedy “Fly Me to the Moon” open in theaters.

“It was initially straight-to-stream,” Berlanti mentioned Thursday at an occasion for family and friends screening Columbia Footage and Apple Authentic Motion pictures movies on the San Vicente Bungalow in West Hollywood. “However then we submitted clips and began testing. We examined in Denver and it labored rather well. We examined in California and we examined in Texas. Every time, the main focus teams made a powerful response and take a look at whether or not this can be a theatrical film.

The movie retells the historical past of man’s first moon touchdown, starring Channing Tatum as Cole Davis, the previous navy pilot answerable for the Apollo 11 launch. Scarlett Johansson co-stars as Kelly Jones, a New York promoting govt employed by the White Home to promote the area program to politicians and the American public.

“The opposite factor that take a look at audiences stored developing with was desirous to see an authentic film. They actually appreciated the unique work,” Berlanti mentioned. “Though it is clearly historic fiction, it is an authentic story centered round historic fiction. They did not know what was going to occur within the film, it was so new to them.

After plans to remake Little Store of Horrors fell by, Johnson was engaged on the movie with screenwriter Rose Gilroy, who requested Berlanti to direct the movie. “They despatched me the script, and I used to be sick at residence with COVID-19,” Berlanti recalled. “I learn the script and mentioned, ‘Possibly it is COVID, however I actually prefer it.'” So I learn it once more.

Johnson and Tatum had no chemistry earlier than the “21 Leap Road” actor signed on. “They will all react chemically with the wall, however you will not know till they’re put collectively,” Berlanti mentioned. “Nevertheless, from the second the studying occurred, I knew it was speedy and I knew I simply wanted and needed to maintain watching them. They’d that factor.

Further forged members embrace Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano, Jim Harsh and Ana Garcia.

The movie was shot over roughly six days at NASA campuses in Georgia and Florida.

A black cat additionally seems within the movie, changing into the final essential element. Three cats have been used for this character. “I am allergic to cats,” Berlanti mentioned. “Once I learn the script, I assumed, ‘What am I going to do?’ So I simply stayed away from them till I needed to direct them, and I nonetheless wore a masks as a result of it was COVID. Once we began, I assumed, ‘Oh, that is going to be the toughest a part of making this film, however of all of the animals I’ve ever labored with, these cats are the neatest and best to cope with.

“Fly Me to the Moon” will premiere in theaters on July 12.

See pictures from the particular screening beneath.