‘Iron Sky’ Producers Prepping Communists-on-Mars Trilogy ‘Deep Red’ (Exclusive)

Hollywood Reporter

by Patrick Brzeski

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The creators of *Iron Sky*, the cult sci-fi franchise about Nazis on the Moon, are gearing up for a new politically charged space satire: *Deep Red*. This upcoming trilogy shifts the focus to Mars, where a secret Soviet colony has been thriving since the 1950s. Produced by Tero Kaukomaa and directed by Timo Vuorensola, the project aims to raise €15 million ($16.2 million) through a mix of regional subsidies, tax incentives, and equity financing. The films are set to begin shooting back-to-back in 2027, with releases planned for 2029, 2030, and 2031. Set in the present day, *Deep Red* follows an American astronaut who crash-lands on Mars and discovers a hidden Communist utopia ruled by an oppressive AI named Deep Red. Built from a Soviet chess supercomputer, this AI maintains control through algorithmic governance and surveillance. The story explores how isolation has allowed the colony to create a fully functional Communist system, free from Earth’s influence. The project is designed as one cohesive trilogy, shot in the style of *The Lord of the Rings*, with a promotional short film in development. Financing for *Deep Red* builds on the success of *Iron Sky*, which relied heavily on crowdfunding and a global fanbase. This time, the team plans to raise funds through a blockchain-based token model, offering equity financing tied to participation in the films and intellectual property. The first tranche aims to secure €270,000 ($270,000) for initial production costs, with larger investments expected later. Reuniting key collaborators from *Iron Sky*, the project features Samuli Torssonen overseeing visual effects and discussions with Slovenian art-rock band Laibach for the score. The creators hope to avoid the gaps between sequels that plagued *Iron Sky* by ensuring a consistent release

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/15/2026