Moonshot: release date, trailer, cast and everything we know about the sci-fi romantic comedy

Lana Condor and Cole Sprouse Moonshot
Lana Condor and Cole Sprouse Moonshot (Image credit: HBO Max)

In what’s being billed as a "romantic comedy with a twist," Moonshot sees Riverdale star, Cole Sprouse, make a return to the big screen. While most romantic comedies reflect a more down-to-earth plot, this film stands out as it follows Sprouse and fellow costar Lana Condor exploring romantic feelings in the future and on Mars. And yet, Moonshot is similar to other rom-coms in that it once again shows the ups and downs of young, untainted love. 

Here’s everything we know about Moonshot

When is the Moonshot release date? 

Moonshot is now streaming HBO Max. Because the film is an HBO Max Original, those wishing to view the film will have to have a subscription to the platform. 

Subscribers to HBO get free access to HBO Max, but you can also sign up for it as a stand-alone streaming service for either $9.99 per month (with ads) or $14.99 per month (ad-free). 

Moonshot premieres in the UK on Sky and NOW TV on Saturday, April 23. 

Moonshot reviews

So far the reviews for Moonshot appear to be mixed. To date, Moonshot has a Metacritic score of 59 (as of April 20). 

Calum Marsh of The New York Times reviewed the film and said, “Condor is note-perfect, and Winterbauer directs with a light, playful touch, giving the movie an energy that’s nimble and vibrantly sexy.” 

Additionally, fans of Moonshot love the "killer chemistry" between Sprouse and Condor. 

Moonshot plot  

Cole Sprouse and Lana Condor with helmets in Moonshot

Cole Sprouse and Lana Condor in Moonshot (Image credit: HBO)

HBO Max describes the Moonshot plot as the following: 

"Like many 20-somethings her age, Sophie is confronted by choices. But at the top of her list is what to do about her long-term boyfriend Calvin, who has taken a 'temporary' job way out of town that’s beginning to sound 'permanent.'

Then there’s Walt, who’s also faced with choices. But he’s pretty content with his life until he meets Ginny. And the few hours he spends with her convince him that she’s the one. But unfortunately, Ginny leaves the next day, off to where her new life is waiting. Now, Sophie and Walt find themselves joining forces to be reunited with their significant others and embarking on a lively journey that takes them wildly off course in this romantic comedy with a twist."

Moonshot cast 

At the helm of the Moonshot cast is Cole Sprouse and Lana Condor. Sprouse has made quite the name for himself in Hollywood. As a child star, he played opposite Adam Sandler in Big Daddy, worked in the hit show Friends and alongside his twin brother starred in the hit Disney series The Suite Life of Zach & Cody. Most recently, fans will know Sprouse from his role as Jughead Jones on Riverdale

Although Condor hasn’t been in the entertainment business quite as long, she has certainly made a name for herself. Since her first major role as Jubilee in X-Men: Apocalypse, Condor has gone on to star in the popular To All the Boys films. 

Joining these two on this extraterrestrial journey is Mr. Scrubs himself, Zach Braff. This will mark two movie premieres in a month for Braff, who recently celebrated the successful release of Cheaper by the Dozen on Disney Plus

Other notable actors in Moonshot include Michelle Buteau (First Wives Club), Mason Gooding (Love, Victor) and Christine Adams (Black Lightning).  

Moonshot trailer

Judging by the Moonshot trailer, viewers should question which relationship is really going to "take off." 

Moonshot director

Moonshot was directed by Christopher Winterbauer. The film marks Winterbauer’s most high-profile directing credit. His previous work includes Wyrm and a number of video shorts. 

Terrell Smith

Terrell Smith has a diverse writing background having penned material for a wide array of clients including the federal government and Bravo television personalities.  When he’s not writing as Terrell, he’s writing under his pseudonym Tavion Scott, creating scripts for his audio drama podcasts. Terrell is a huge fan of great storytelling when it comes to television and film. Some of his favorite shows include The CrownWandaVision, Abbot Elementary and Godfather of HarlemAnd a fun fact is he's completely dialed into the TLC 90 Day Fiancé universe.