July is just around the corner, and it brings with it another year of panels, cosplay contests, and screenings at the fan-favorite San Diego Comic-Con. Even without the usual Marvel Cinematic Universe panel at Hall H, there are plenty of тιтles to get excited for, including Tron: Ares, DCU’s Peacemaker, Netflix’s The Dragon Prince, and much more. ScreenRant is proud to exclusively announce that Desert Fishbowl is adding their alien adventure movie to that list: Unexpected Treasures.

Filmed in the gorgeous desert of Joshua Tree, Unexpected Treasures is directed by John Paul Ungaretti, who co-wrote the script with Christina Heller. While it is Ungaretti’s feature film directorial debut, he has previously cut his teeth as part of the visual effects team of Netflix hits such as Cobra Kai and Outer Banks, a pedigree that naturally creates excitement for what he will do with the aliens-among-us story before him.

The story takes place in the Mojave Desert, where a down-and-out desert dweller named Hartley encounters the charming alien Sam. The two embark on an adventure that involves outwitting an alien bounty hunter, deciphering an ancient prophecy, and solidifying their otherworldly connection. Read below for more details about the cast and SDCC panel!

What To Expect From Unexpected Treasures At SDCC 2025

Fans Will Be Treated To A Sneak Peek Of The Film & Chance To Meet The Cast

While the exact date and time of Unexpected Treasures‘ SDCC panel are still under wraps, be ready to meet the cast and creatures of this laugh-out-loud genre bender between July 24th and 27th. The special premiere allows for fans to be among the first to screen the film, after which they will be treated to a special Q&A with cast members and producers.

Two-time Emmy Award winner Mike Manning (Days of Our Lives, The Bay) and Olivia Blue (Animal Kingdom, Juniper) lead the project alongside Michael Dunn (Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2), AnnaMaria Demara (War of the Worlds: Extinction), and newcomer Rex Edhlund. Ungaretti and Heller are also expected to participate.

In a press release statement, Heller (who also serves as a producer on the project) shared her vision for the movie: “Unexpected Treasures is a love letter to the California desert and its rich alien folklore, along with popcorn flicks from the ’80s and ’90s.” With that in mind, “Comic-Con is the perfect place to launch this cute alien story — it’s where strange magic finds its people.”