Highlights
- Ice Cube stars as a Homeland Security cyber-security analyst in a new War of the Worlds remake
- The sci-fi thriller unfolds through the perspective of smartphones, tablets, and computers
- Directed by Rich Lee, the film reimagines H.G. Wells' classic for the digital age
- Co-stars include Eva Longoria, Clark Gregg, and Andrea Savage
- Premieres on Prime Video on 30 July
Sci-fi classic gets modern twist with surveillance thriller
A new screen adaptation of H.G. Wells’ 1898 novel War of the Worlds is set to premiere on 30 July on Prime Video, with Ice Cube in the lead role as a Homeland Security cyber-security analyst.
The film, directed by Rich Lee, presents a contemporary take on the alien invasion narrative, placing its events within the world of modern technology. Much of the action is shown through computer screens, smartphones, and tablets — reflecting how people today experience real-world crises.
Story unfolds through devices and surveillance
Ice Cube plays Will Radford, a senior analyst tasked with monitoring potential threats to national security. As an unknown enemy begins its attack, Radford suspects the government is concealing vital information. The trailer shows him interacting with surveillance systems, video calling his daughter, and uncovering a classified file revealing mass data collection — all while evidence of an extraterrestrial threat builds.
Innovative format mirrors today’s digital world
According to co-producer Patrick Aiello, the film’s structure is deliberately immersive and screen-based:
“When catastrophes happen today, we experience them through our devices. That insight shaped the storytelling and tech used to create this immersive thriller.”
He described the project as the first “studio-scale sci-fi epic” made using a format that places audiences inside the action through everyday devices, offering a visceral, first-person experience for cinema screens.
- YouTube JoBlo Movie Network
Cast and release details
Joining Ice Cube in the cast are Eva Longoria, Clark Gregg, and Andrea Savage. The new version joins a long list of War of the Worlds adaptations, including the 2005 film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise.
This latest version is due to stream globally on Amazon Prime Video from 30 July.
