Laurence Fishburne’s ‘Slingshot’: A journey to Saturn’s moon with a twist
A new sci-fi adventure
Laurence Fishburne’s latest film, Slingshot, is now in theaters, offering audiences a thrilling journey to one of Saturn’s moons. Fishburne stars as Captain Franks, leading a three-man crew on a mission to find a new renewable energy source to save a dying Earth. Alongside him are fellow astronauts John, played by Casey Affleck, and Nash, portrayed by Tomer Capone. The crew enters sleep pods to hibernate for three months, but complications arise when John experiences side effects from the hibernation drugs, and Nash becomes unstable. Franks remains steadfast, focused on completing the mission.
An unexpected twist
The film’s third act introduces an unpredictable twist that captivated Fishburne and ultimately led him to accept the role. Reflecting on the script, Fishburne shared his excitement about the film’s ending, which he describes as a “beautiful surprise.” He appreciated that the story doesn’t spoon-feed the audience but instead requires active participation.
A love for science fiction
Fishburne is no stranger to the science fiction genre, with notable credits including The Matrix, Event Horizon, and The Signal. He has several upcoming projects in the genre, such as Transformers: One and Megalopolis. Fishburne’s passion for sci-fi stems from his formative years, influenced by iconic series like Star Trek and Star Wars. Seeing diverse characters in space resonated deeply with him, shaping his love for the genre.
Reuniting with Coppola
Megalopolis marks a reunion between Fishburne and director Francis Ford Coppola, who previously worked together on Apocalypse Now. Fishburne, who was just 14 when he joined the cast of Apocalypse Now, describes the experience as his “apprenticeship” into the arts. Working alongside legendary actors like Marlon Brando, Dennis Hopper, and Martin Sheen profoundly impacted his development as an artist.
The appeal of Captain Franks
Fishburne’s theatrical background drew him to the intimate, character-driven nature of Slingshot. He relished the opportunity to work with Casey Affleck, whose understated intensity and intelligence he admires. The dynamic between the three characters on the ship, likened to a father and his two sons, added depth to the story. Fishburne’s portrayal of Captain Franks required him to embody the authority figure, navigating the complexities of the mission and the crew’s relationships.
A beautifully designed set
The film’s set, though small, was meticulously designed to create a sense of both vastness and confinement. Director Mikael Håfström and his director of photography employed clever techniques to enhance the set’s visual impact. Fishburne praised the set’s design and the creative ways it was utilized to tell the story.
Working with Casey Affleck
Fishburne has long been a fan of Casey Affleck’s work, dating back to Good Will Hunting. He appreciated Affleck’s ability to convey the interior life of his character, John, and found joy in collaborating on such an intimate story. Fishburne also enjoyed working with Tomer Capone, a fan of Capone’s character Frenchie in The Boys.
Upcoming projects
In addition to Slingshot, Fishburne has several films slated for release, including Megalopolis and Transformers: One. He selects roles based on various factors, from the opportunity to work with esteemed directors like Coppola to his love for the Transformers franchise. Fishburne is also drawn to stories with rich, layered characters and complex themes, as seen in his upcoming film Clipped.
A lifelong love for sci-fi
Fishburne’s passion for science fiction began with television shows like Star Trek, which featured a diverse, multiracial crew. This representation was significant for Fishburne, who saw people who looked like him in space. His love for the genre was further fueled by films like Star Wars, Planet of the Apes, and The Man Who Fell to Earth.
Returning to theater
Fishburne remains deeply connected to the theater, having recently performed a one-man show. He plans to bring the show to the U.K. next year and hopes to return to Broadway when his schedule permits. His love for the theater is evident, and he strives to balance his film and stage work.
Describing ‘Slingshot’
In a single sentence, Fishburne describes Slingshot as “an interesting science fiction, psychological thriller that really has a beautiful, beautiful tone and a really unexpected twist.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.