A new indie sci-fi drama led by Sean Astin is headed to the big screen next month. Pinnacle Peak Pictures has picked up North American rights to Matter of Time and will release it theatrically on February 27, 2026, just weeks from now.
A power that changes everything
Directed by Jeremy Snead, Matter of Time centers on Charlie Fleck, a 29-year-old aspiring video game designer played by Myles Erlick. Charlie’s life takes a surreal turn when he discovers a mysterious device that allows him to stop time.
What begins as a dream-like ability soon forces Charlie to confront the emotional and ethical consequences of controlling moments, relationships, and fate itself. Rather than leaning purely into spectacle, the film explores how ambition, regret, and connection collide when time is no longer an obstacle.
Cast, creators, and festival buzz
Alongside Astin and Erlick, the film stars Ali Astin and Jaimie Alexander. Notably, Matter of Time marks the *first on-screen reunion of Sean and Ali Astin since The Lord of the Rings, adding a personal layer to the project.
The film premiered at the Dallas International Film Festival last year, where it quietly built interest among indie film circles.
Snead directed the film from a script he co-wrote with Jason Baumgardner, Zach Smith, and Sean Wilkie, with story credits going to Chris Dowling, Matt Green, and Anthony Tyler Quinn. Snead also produced the film alongside Baumgardner and Ian Campbell.
A familiar creative partnership
Before Matter of Time, Snead was best known for documentary work, including the Nintendo-focused series Playing With Power: The Nintendo Story, where Sean Astin served as executive producer. That long-standing collaboration helped shape the film’s authentic look into the creative pressures of game design.
Reflecting on the project, Snead described the transition into narrative filmmaking as deeply personal, noting that the story is ultimately about “ambition, loss, and connection”, rather than just time manipulation.
Final words
With a grounded sci-fi hook, emotional core, and a cast anchored by Sean Astin’s warmth, Matter of Time looks set to offer something different from typical time-bending thrillers. As it heads into theaters on February 27, the film positions itself as a thoughtful, character-driven story about what happens when we finally get the time we think we want—and realize what it costs.
