Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas Eyed for Expensive Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Deeper’

Tom Cruise and Ana de Armas might be diving into a big one with Deeper, a long-gestating sci-fi project reportedly making a comeback. It’s an undersea supernatural thriller – one that would reunite Cruise with Edge of Tomorrow director Doug Liman and longtime creative partner Christopher McQuarrie (director of the last four Mission: Impossible films) handling script duties. 
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As was first reported by Deadline, de Armas is now “poised” to join the project, with the two stars reportedly undertaking dive training together in preparation. No official confirmation has been made by their representatives, but it appears the film is gaining serious momentum behind the scenes.

An Astronaut, a Trench, and a Terrifying Force

Deeper centres on an astronaut who discovers a terrifying presence while diving into an uncharted ocean trench. A blend of science fiction and psychological horror, the project has drawn comparisons to films like The Abyss and Sphere, and has spent years in development before gaining new momentum.

The original screenplay was penned by Max Landis (Chronicle, Bright) and purchased by MGM back in 2016. At one point, Bradley Cooper and director Kornél Mundruczó were attached. Later, Idris Elba and filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur came aboard in a separate iteration, but like previous efforts, that version stalled.
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Big Budget, Big Stakes — But Where Will It Land?

Now back on the table, Deeper is reportedly being eyed by both Sony Pictures and Amazon MGM Studios, with the latter considered the frontrunner to land distribution rights. With a proposed budget in the realm of $US200 million, it’s clear this isn’t a small-scale venture — underwater shoots, big stars, and effects-heavy sequences rarely come cheap.

The film is also expected to build on Cruise’s current blockbuster momentum. Top Gun: Maverick was a massive hit and his latest Mission: Impossible instalment is tracking for a strong box office opening. Meanwhile, de Armas has John Wick spin-off Ballerina on the verge of releasing wide, helping to potentially position her as a rising genre lead.

Meanwhile, Cruise, Liman, and McQuarrie also have plans for a film to be shot in space — yes, outer space. It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything on that front, but NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX were reportedly in talks to support the project.

Deeper appears to be the one Cruise wants to make next. Stay tuned!
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