Carl Sagan, the late astronomer, astrophysicist, and author, will be the subject of a new documentary. The best-selling author and host of the TV series ‘Cosmos’ had the great merit of introducing an entire generation to the wonders of space. Twenty-seven years after his passing, a documentary about his prolific career is in the works.
Statements from the Producers
According to American magazine Deadline, the stellar legend of Carl Sagan will live on in a mind-expanding project produced by National Geographic Documentary Films in partnership with authors Seth MacFarlane, Erica Huggins, and Ann Druyan, Sagan’s partner. Oscar nominee Nanette Burstein will direct the film.
In addition to his numerous successes, another novel, ‘Contact’, was adapted by director Robert Zemeckis into the eponymous 1997 film. The Oscar-nominated film starred Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey.
“It will be an intimate and cinematic portrait of Sagan. The untitled Carl Sagan documentary will explore his love story with Ann Druyan and with science”, National Geographic Documentary Films said in an official statement. “The film will feature exclusive audio recordings, archival clips, and animations. But also interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues” the statement continued. “With the full support of Sagan’s family and friends, the film will present a fascinating look into the life and career of one of the most exciting and revolutionary scientists of our time”.
A New Generation of Enthusiasts
The documentary on Carl Sagan does not currently have a scheduled release date. But it will be exclusively offered on National Geographic and Disney+ channels once completed. “Carl Sagan was an innovative and revolutionary scientist. He decoded the complexity of the cosmos and made planetary science accessible and relevant to audiences worldwide” said Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president of documentaries for National Geographic. “We are thrilled to be working with Nanette, Ann, and the team to bring Sagan’s pioneering work and compelling personal story to a new generation of fans”.
“Carl’s life is a multidimensional epic” said executive producer Ann Druyan. “He was a pioneer in science and a force in culture. He is one of the greatest awakeners in our history, and I feel that with Nanette, Fuzzy Door, Hungry Man, and NatGeo, I now have the right partners to tell his thrilling story”.