Netflix has announced the acquisition of a comedy written by Adam McKay called Don’t Look Up, and Hollywood megastar Jennifer Lawrence is set to perform in it.

The story focuses on two astronomers who try to warn the world about a dangerous asteroid heading for Earth.

Netflix is wasting no time in creating the feature, as shooting is scheduled to begin in April and a release is planned for later this year.

McKay is known for his work on Saturday Night Live, directing Will Ferrell comedies such as Anchorman and, more recently, projects with a focus on business and politics.

McKay said: ‘I’m so thrilled to make this movie with Jen Lawrence. She’s what folks in the 17th century used to call ‘a dynamite act.’’

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