Los Angeles: Indian actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas is set to star opposite Orlando Bloom in the upcoming survival thriller ‘Reset’, directed by filmmaker Matt Smukler. 

The project is expected to begin production in August and marks Smukler’s latest feature after the coming-of-age comedy-drama ‘Wildflower’.

Survival story set in the wilderness

According to the film’s synopsis, ‘Reset’ follows a woman who wakes up alone in a remote wilderness area, days away from civilisation, with no memory of how she arrived there. As she struggles to survive, she encounters a charismatic stranger who may hold the key to her survival, though his true identity and intentions remain uncertain.

Speaking about the casting, Smukler said: “I was looking for a pairing where attraction and mistrust could effortlessly coexist.”

He added: “Priyanka and Orlando possess an ‘uncanny ability to make you believe both at once. Their chemistry is undeniable.’”

Production team and Cannes launch

The screenplay has been written by Jordan Rawlins.

The film will be produced by Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber through Fratricidal Films, alongside Michael Lazarovitch for Chemically Altered and Matthew Rhodes of Rhodes Entertainment. Production companies linked to Chopra Jonas and Bloom, Purple Pebble Pictures and Amazing Owl, are also attached to the project.

Fortitude International is backing the film financially and is set to launch international sales during the Marché du Film in Cannes.

Producers Jon and Erich Hoeber said: “Jordan Rawlins and Matt Smukler have created a gripping story of survival, romance, suspense, and deceit, replete with shocking twists, and we’re thrilled to have partnered with Priyanka and Orlando to bring it to the screen.”

Upcoming projects for Priyanka Chopra and Orlando Bloom

Chopra Jonas was most recently seen in ‘The Bluff’ and earlier appeared alongside Idris Elba and John Cena in ‘Heads of State’, which became one of the streaming platform’s most-watched releases.

She is also expected to return in Season 2 of ‘Citadel’ and will feature in ‘Varanasi’ directed by SS Rajamouli.

Bloom recently received praise for his performance in ‘The Cut’, which he also produced through Amazing Owl. He was also seen in the action-comedy ‘Deep Cover’, which earned a nomination at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards.

His upcoming projects include ‘Bucking Fastard’ directed by Werner Herzog and co-starring Rooney Mara and Kate Mara.

About director Matt Smukler

Smukler is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker known for the Sundance Grand Jury-nominated documentary Finders Keepers. He later adapted ‘Wildflower’ into a narrative feature starring Kiernan Shipka.

Among his upcoming projects are ‘Sonny Lovejoy’, ‘To Tim with Love’ and ‘The Portland Condition’.

(IANS)