Was originally intended to be directed by Colin Trevorrow, but he was chosen for Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019), and dropped out. He will remain onboard as writer and producer.
Lupita Nyong'o was going to star when Ava DuVernay was still attached to direct. But when DuVernay dropped out, Nyong'o dropped out as well.
The movie was originally titled "The Ambassador."