Today it was announced that Zadie Smith will team with French director Claire Denis to co-write her first English-language film, which is set in “a place beyond the solar system in a ‘future that seems like the present,’” according to Screen Daily.

What is “a place beyond the solar system in a ‘future that seems like the present,’” you ask? Only the entire universe. One might say it’s the ideal setting for Smith to render a cast of unforgettable characters not confined to the streets of present-day New York City or her native Northwest London.

Nick Laird, b.k.a. Zadie Smith’s husband, has also signed on to help write the script.

Oliver Dungey, a producer on the film, told Screen Daily:

“I am delighted that Claire has been tempted to cross the channel and make a film in English; she is one of the greats of contemporary cinema and she’s assembled a quite extraordinary team to make exactly the kind of ambitious film that audiences cherish – completely original, genuinely pushing the boundaries of art and science and, above all, extremely entertaining.”

Also joining the “extraordinary team” is a Danish-Icelandic artist, an astrophysicist, and a member of the indie band Tindersticks.

We’re incredibly excited to see Denis’ and Smith’s vision take shape. Dan Kois is also very excited. Everybody is excited.

[Image via Getty]