Robert Luketic stepped out of his comfort zone.

Known for female-led comedy such as "Legal Blonde" and "Monsters", the director signed on to "Resulface" by Helm forte Corp Pictures, a survival thriller in Mariana's ditch that is the deepest part of the sea.

In Pete Bridges’ (“Deep Water”), “Resurfaced” records a desperate race after the underwater earthquake disaster destroyed the deep-sea research mission at the bottom of Mariana’s ditch. Two stranded survivors must climb 35,000 feet of ground before their lifespan support expires.

Australia-based Forte Corp Pictures’ latest works include Michael Gracey’s Robbie Williams biography “Better Man”, which won nine Australian AACTA awards and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The company also supports Ron Howard's "Eden" and George Miller's "Three Miller" survival thriller "Three Three Multiling," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.

Craig McMahon ("Best Man") will be produced for Forte Corp Pictures along with Todd Fellman ("Portable Door"). David Conley ("Incarnation: Water Way") will perform production.

Financing will serve through McMahon’s enhanced production financing, which introduces the project to buyers in Cannes. The main photography will be held in Melbourne, Australia.

Luketic's honor also includes "21", who said he will use silence and sound details to shape the atmosphere of the film. "There must be a still space-the moment of connection reminds the audience of the endangered."

An experienced pilot, Luketic, will draw inspiration from his aeronautical background to inform the film’s tone and consult with the deep-sea experts and the Royal Australian Navy for augmented reality.

“Essentially, it’s a story about endurance and reconnection under pressure, a genre thriller that never loses humanity,” McMahon said. “From the beginning, we knew this project required a director who could balance scale and intimacy. Robert brought a rare blend of visual precision, emotional depth and technical commands, and we’re excited to have him on board.”

Luketic was rejected by CAA, Mosaic and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson and Christopher.