German film director Roland Emmerich, who is heralded as the “master of disaster” for his hit movies such as “2012” and “Independence Day,” is back with a new sci-fi catastrophe film. Chinese Canadian singer and actor Kelly Yu co-stars in the film and talked with NextShark about why “Moonfall,” however, isn’t just about destruction.

“Moonfall,” independently produced on a budget of $140 million, follows the story of NASA executive Jo Fowler, played by Halle Berry, and former NASA astronaut Brian Harper, played by Patrick Wilson, as they try to stop the Moon from crashing into Earth. The main cast also includes John Bradley as conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman, Michael Pena as wealthy car dealer Tom Lopez, Charlie Plummer as Brian’s son Sonny Harper and Kelly Yu as student intern Michelle.

“It is a true sci-fi disaster film with elevated conspiracy elements,” Yu told NextShark. “It combines science with larger-than-life visual effects to create a film that explores the mysteries of the Moon with high stakes action.”

The Chinese Canadian singer and actor was proud to be part of the film and hopes that her role will give her new opportunities to represent Asian communities worldwide. 

“Portraying Michelle was not really difficult for me probably because I used to be an international student myself 一 Michelle and I have a lot of things in common,” Yu shared. “She is an intern student who is staying at Fowler’s house. When disaster happens, she and Brian’s son Sonny and Fowler’s son Jimmy run for their lives together.”

“Moonfall is not just about the destruction 一 it is about human nature and emotions and explores what drives people in these moments,” Yu said. “The audience will enjoy stunning visuals, groundbreaking VFX and an out-of-this-world storyline.” 

“Moonfall” was written by Roland Emmerich, Harald Kloser and Spenser Cohen and distributed by Lionsgate. The film also stars Donald Sutherland, Eme Ikwuakor, Carolina Bartczak and Maxim Roy. It is set to premiere in theaters worldwide on Feb. 4.