Jupiter Ascending is a science fiction movie that mixes action, adventure, and fantasy. Directed by the Wachowskis, the film takes viewers on a journey from Earth into the vast galaxy where powerful alien dynasties control planets. The story follows an ordinary young woman who discovers she has a royal destiny that could change the fate of the universe.
While the movie received mixed reviews from critics, it gained a special place among fans of space operas and visually grand science-fiction films. Over time, Jupiter Ascending has developed a small cult following for its bold imagination, stunning visuals, and unique storytelling.

Basic Movie Info
- Movie Title: Jupiter Ascending
- Release Date: February 6, 2015
- Language: English
- Country: United States
- Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director and Producers
- Director: Lana Wachowski and Lilly Wachowski (also known as The Wachowskis)
- Producers: Grant Hill, Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
- Production Companies: Village Roadshow Pictures, Anarchos Productions, Dune Entertainment
Cast
- Mila Kunis as Jupiter Jones – The main character, a cleaning woman who learns about her royal
- Channing Tatum as Caine
- Eddie Redmayne as Balem Abrasax
- Douglas Booth as Titus
- Sean Bean as Stinger
- Tuppence Middleton as Kalique
- James D’Arcy as Maximilian Jones
- Bae Doona as Razo
- Kick Gurry as Vladie
- Christina Cole as Gemma Chatterjee
- Vanessa Kirby as Katharine Dunlevy
- Ramon Tikaram as Phylo Percadium
- Tim Pigott-Smith as Malidictes
- Terry Gilliam as Gill
- Edward Hogg as Chicanery Night
- Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Famulus
- Nicholas A. Newman as Nesh
- David Ajala as Ibis
- Frog Stone as Aunt Nino
- Maria Doyle Kennedy as Aleksa
- Ariyon Bakare as Greeghan
- Spencer Wilding as Falque
- Nikki Amuka-Bird as Diomika Tsing
- Oleg Nasobin as Zeno
- Charlotte Beaumont as Kiza
- Samuel Barnett as Advocate Bob
- Katherine Cunningham (role unspecified)
- Jeremy Swift (role unspecified)
- Vassily Bolotnikov (role unspecified)
- Julie Graham (role unspecified)
- Neil Fingleton (role unspecified)
- Bryony Hannah (role unspecified)
- Simon Dutton as Tsalikin
- Derek Lea (role unspecified)
- Sarah Crowden (role unspecified)
- Elsa Mollien as une servante
- Rupert Frazer (role unspecified)
- Sarah Campbell (role unspecified)
- Luke Neal as Royal Guard
- Andy Ahrens (role unspecified)
- Claire Benedict (role unspecified)
- Michela Meazza (role unspecified)
- Larissa Kouznetsova (role unspecified)
- Irina (role unspecified)
- Grant Stimpson (role unspecified)
- Georgia Winters (role unspecified)
- Peter Yapp (role unspecified)
- Cliff Fleming as Pilot
- Sean Baker (role unspecified)
- Sophie Porley (role unspecified)
- Jo Osmond as Droid
- Emily Renée as Mikka
Story Summary (No Spoilers)
The movie follows Jupiter Jones, a young woman living a normal life cleaning houses in Chicago. She feels like she was meant for something bigger, and soon discovers that she is not just an ordinary human. In fact, she is the genetic reincarnation of a powerful royal family member from another galaxy.
Her life changes when Caine Wise, a genetically engineered soldier, arrives on Earth to protect her from alien forces. Jupiter finds herself caught in a battle between powerful alien dynasties, each with their own plans for her. The story centers around Jupiter’s journey of self-discovery, her fight for survival, and her unexpected role in the future of the galaxy.
Setting and Time Period
The story begins in modern-day Earth, mainly in Chicago, but quickly expands to include futuristic alien worlds spread across the galaxy. The film takes place in a science-fiction universe filled with advanced spaceships, alien technology, and ancient royal families who rule over planets like Earth.
It’s a fictional setting with futuristic cities, space battles, and breathtaking alien environments.
Visuals and Cinematography
Jupiter Ascending is well known for its stunning visuals and creative world-building. The movie uses advanced special effects, 3D technology, and green-screen filming to create massive space palaces, floating cities, and alien planets.
Costumes are futuristic and royal, with heavy details showing the wealth and power of the alien families. The cinematography by John Toll includes sweeping shots of planets, space travel, and fast-paced action scenes, especially during aerial fights and chase scenes.
Music and Soundtrack
- Composer: Michael Giacchino
Michael Giacchino, known for his work on Up, Star Trek, and Jurassic World, composed the music. His orchestral soundtrack gives the movie an epic and emotional feel. The music supports the story’s scale – from tense action to emotional revelations.
The score blends classical instruments with a futuristic tone, helping bring the alien worlds and grand battles to life.
Performance & Box Office
- Budget: Estimated $176 million
- Box Office Gross: Around $184 million worldwide
Despite its high budget and big cast, Jupiter Ascending underperformed at the box office, making just slightly more than its production cost. It was not a commercial success and received mixed-to-negative reviews upon release.
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 28% (critics) / 38% (audience)
Critics praised the visuals but criticized the confusing plot and uneven storytelling. Audiences were split – some loved the ambition and world-building, while others felt the story was hard to follow.
Awards and Recognition
While the film did not win major awards, it received attention in categories related to visual effects and design:
- Saturn Award Nominations (2015): Best Science Fiction Film
- Golden Trailer Awards (2015): Best Sci-Fi
- Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Nomination (2016): Best Special Makeup Effects
Interesting Facts or Trivia
- The movie was written and directed by the Wachowskis, who are famous for The Matrix trilogy.
- Channing Tatum’s character has wolf DNA, which is why he has enhanced senses and strength.
- The film was originally set for release in 2014 but was delayed to allow more time for visual effects.
- Eddie Redmayne’s whispery villain voice received a lot of attention – both positive and negative – and even became a meme online.
- Some scenes were filmed in Chicago, and one famous action sequence took over six months to plan and shoot.
- The bees in the movie recognize royalty, which is a symbolic (and strange) way to show Jupiter’s true identity.
Conclusion
Jupiter Ascending may not have been a huge hit, but it is definitely a unique and visually rich science fiction film. Its mix of royal space drama, action, and romantic elements makes it different from most sci-fi movies. If you enjoy space operas, futuristic worlds, and fantasy adventure, this movie might surprise you with its creativity.
Though the story can be confusing at times, it offers great visuals, a powerful musical score, and an interesting concept about destiny, genetics, and power.
Give it a watch if you’re in the mood for a big, bold, and beautifully designed space journey.
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