The Larklight trilogy is set in an alternative Victorian-era universe, where mankind has been exploring the Solar System for at least a century.
Earth is the same as it was in the late 19th century, but only the United Kingdom and its Empire possess the engines to travel across the Solar System.
The United States, which the British consider to be rebellious colonies, and France, though not technically at war with Britain on Earth, are in a struggle to sabotage the Britons' expansive interests and develop space technology of their own.
However Shekhar Kapur said Larklight will be the last expensive movie he will make, so it is unlikely that Starcross and Mothstorm will be adapted unless another director chooses to do so.
The film was planned to be released January 1, 2010, but after the death of director Anthony Minghella, Shekhar Kapur took over his unfinished movie, New York, I Love You, and Larklight had to be postponed.