When the Apollo 18 moon-landing mission was cancelled in the early 70’s, it gave rise to an urban legend that claimed it was launched in secret and had discovered alien life. This is the synopsis of the upcoming Timur Bekmambetov-produced Apollo 18, another “found footage” movie that is based on this legend.

The reality is NASA cancelled Apollo’s 18, 19 and 20 for budgetary reasons, but the truth never got in the way of a good legend and this is a good one. According to the press release, Trevor Cawood (mostly an effect guy, worked on the Matrix sequels) is making his big-screen directorial debut with Apollo 18, the documentary style sci-fi thriller which has already been scheduled for a March 2011 release – so at least we won’t have long to wait.

It’s interesting and could be an early ’11 gem if they can pull this off, otherwise there’s always J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 in June which is also deals with aliens.