News

MUZZLE: CITY OF WOLVES Reteams Star And Director For Action Sequel

A sequel to 2023 action thriller Muzzle is in the works. Production will reteam lead actor Aaron Eckhart and director John Stalberg Jr. who collaborated on the original film. Stalberg Jr. will direct Muzzle: City Of Wolves, which he and Carlyle Eubank (The Signal) storied for a script by Jacob Michael King (Caviar). Stalberg, Jr. is also producing via his Slow Burn banner along with David Frigerio through Broken Open Pictures (Land of Bad, Muzzle, Bad Hombres), and Highland Film Group. Eubank is exec producing for Slow Burn next to Tim O’Hair and RuthAnne Frigerio for Broken Open Pictures. Highland Film Group is handling international rights and is introducing the film to buyers. Haunted by PTSD from his days as a K-9 officer, Jake Rosser (Eckhart) endeavors to lead a peaceful life with his family and retired K-9 companion, Socks. But the tranquility quickly dissolves when a ruthless gang targets […]

SIERRA MADRE Lines Up Kiefer Sutherland For Fall Action Thriller Shoot

Lee B. Golden III

Emmy Award-winner Kiefer Sutherland (Flatliners, “24,” Clint Eastwood’s upcoming Juror #2) is set to shoot action thriller Sierra Madre this Fall. Highland Film Group launched world sales on the film at the Cannes market and is co-financing. Sutherland will play Captain Jordan Wright, granted leave along with his squadron from their mission to attend a crewmate’s wedding in Mexico. When the festivities are interrupted by a cartel’s murderous descent on the small village, Jordan attempts to lead his remaining men to safety, as war breaks out between his squad and the cartel. Now under siege in the enemy’s deadly stronghold, Jordan has no other option but to engage in a full-scale battle to save the only family he has. Justin Chadwick (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) is directing from a script by Ian Mackenzie Jeffers (The Grey) and Delbert Hancock. “I’m thrilled to be joining the team on Sierra Madre, […]

DEATHSTALKER Reboot Is Underway As First Look Goes Viral Of Daniel Bernhardt In Full Regalia

Lee B. Golden III

Already hitting the trades and genre film forums, a first look is already out and about with featured actor Daniel Bernhardt (John Wick, Nobody, Skylines) for Raven Banner’s Deathstalker. The label launched world sales at the Marché du Film over the weekend with cameras currently rolling in Canada. A reboot of the late Roger Corman’s cult Sword & Sorcery film franchise, Bernhardt stars as the titular character revised by writer and director Steven Kostanski (The Void, PG: Psycho Goreman). Bernhardt portrays the barbarian who finds himself cursed by a magical talisman that draws him into conflict with a malevolent wizard and a clan of monstrous assassins. Corman’s films capitalized on the 80s fan fervor of films like John Milius’ Conan the Barbarian, with a similar collision of pulp fantasy and lurid excess. Kostanski’s new vision promises a greater emphasis on exploring the series’ fantasy setting and filling it with monsters […]

THIEVES HIGHWAY Hits The Road For Jesse V. Johnson’s New Crime Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Avengement and Triple Threat helmer Jesse V. Johnson will next direct crime thriller Thieves Highway. The film stars Devon Sawa (The Fanatic, Gasoline Alley), and also reteams Johnson with actor Aaron Eckhart (Chief Of Station), along with 308 Enterprises own Corey Large (One Ranger) who is producing. Johnson is directing from a script by Travis Mills, the story of an Oklahoma Stock Detective (Eckhart) in over his head in the “Breaking Bad” world of modern cattle rustling. Kirk Shaw (The Hurt Locker, Papa Hemingway in Cuba, Extraction), Jordan Nott (Assassination) and Jon Keeyes (White Elephant) are exec producing. BondIt Media Capital and Pink 308 will finance. Red Sea Media is handling international sales and debuting the film for buyers at the Marché du Film in Cannes. “’THIEVES HIGHWAY’ is a passion project, for Aaron and me. We spent a lot of time developing Travis Mills’ script, embracing factual anecdotes and […]

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BLOOD PASSAGE: ‘Maria’ Helmer Boards Martial Arts Vamp Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Maria and Nilalang helmer Pedring Lopez is lining up to direct Blood Passage. The film marks the first project out of a deal announced late last year between Singapore-based Very Tay Media and Lopez’s BlackOps Studios Asia in the Philippines. Variety’s Patrick Frater reports: “Blood Passage” is a martial arts vampire action horror feature set in Southeast Asia. Its story follows a rescue mission gone wrong, that pits a private military unit against relentless supernatural forces. Rex Lopez is producing for Blackops Studios Asia & Psyops8 as is Alaric Tay for Very Tay Media. Fred Hedman of Evolution Pictures and GFM Film Sales, and Christopher Shaw are exec producing. On the action front, stunt-multi-hyphenate Sonny Sisson, who provided stunts on Lopez’s recently-completed crime series, “Sellblock,” will return in a similar role. He will be joined by action choreographer Brahim Chab, whose credits partly include Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear, The […]

Tony Wu, German Cheung, Terrance Lau and Raymond Lam - Twilight of the Warriors - Walled In

[UPDATED] TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS Success Signals Threequel Prospects With New Poster

Lee B. Golden III

Announcements were made for the prequel and sequel to Soi Cheang’s Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In. The film had a rousing Out Of Competition screening at Cannes while currently leading the Hong Kong and China box offices. First up is Twilight Of The Warriors: Dragon Throne, a prequel set in the 1950s and 60s, chronicling the earlier years of triad boss Cyclone (Louis Koo) and hitman Jim Chan (Aaron Kwok). The last will bring back the main cast of the first film with Twilight Of The Warriors: The Final Chapter, which is set in 1993, the year of the City’s demolition. Additionally, as Silvia Wong notes exclusively at Screendaily, production on extensive and larger sets is expected to commence around the same time next year, citing Entertaining Power head Angus Chan. Dust To Dust scribe Chou Man Yu will pen the script. The franchise is based on the manhua […]

Scott Adkins And Marko Zaror Actioner, DIABLO, Rolls Into Post-Production With A New Cast Member

Shaun Williams

Scott Adkins shows no sign of slowing his output after John Wick 4 shone a significant spotlight on him, as his latest starring vehicle, DIABLO, goes into post-production. Helming the actioner is Ernesto Diaz Espinoza, a name that’s ended up on many “One to watch” lists after his last two efforts, Redeemer and The Fist of the Condor. Chilean powerhouse, Marko Zaror, also stars. Today, Deadline.com has reported that Diana Hoyos has also joined the cast. Hoyos, a veteran of Spanish tv, established herself as an action actress with roles in 2017’s Sniper: Ultimate Kill and Never Back Down Revolt from 2021. Plot details, according to Deadline: The film follows Kris Chaney (Adkins) who, after being released from prison, embarks on a perilous mission to fulfill an old promise but finds himself in danger when he kidnaps Elisa, the daughter of a powerful gangster. Her father, Vincent, puts out a […]

FALL Franchise Lands Sequel Directors, Plots Course For Trilogy

Lee B. Golden III

A seuquel to Scott Mann’s 2022 sleeper hit, Fall, is moving forward from acclaimed horror and thriller directors Michael and Peter Spierig (Lionsgate’s Jigsaw). Mann will pen the script with Jonathan Frank ahead of camera roll in June, as announced on Thursday by Capstone Studios’ CEO Christian Mercuri. Mark Lane and James Harris of Tea Shop Productions (47 Meters Down) are producing once more along with Capstone’s Mercuri. Mann will also produce via Flawless alongside David Haring. Dan Asma, John Long, and Roman Viaris will also reunite as exec producers alongside Capstone’s Ruzanna Kegeyan. Capstone Global is handling worldwide rights to the franchise. Capstone Studios announced plans late last year for a back to back trilogy; Mann is set to write and direct the third installment. Fall 2 and Fall 3 will bring back original characters from the first film, while also leaving room for new ones to be introduced. […]

AMITYVILLE BARBI: Help Crowdfund The New Deadsville Indie Action Horror Romp At Indiegogo!

Lee B. Golden III

Film duo Ronin James and Steph Infection are currently ramping up efforts to make their feature film debut at Deadsville Productions a reallty. Amityville Barbi: The Movie is the name emblazoned on the current campaign over at Indiegogo with just under six weeks left as of this post. Barbi has a secret: She leads a double life. To the public, and her friends, she is a famous Hollywood actress and fashion model. But secretly her family comes from a long line of demon slayers, and Barbi is the latest member of her bloodline to inherit the power and responsibility. Not even her longtime boyfriend Kent knows the truth. So, when a housewarming party goes wrong, and evil is unleashed on Barbi and Kent’s friends and family, Barbi’s worlds will collide! The dead will rise, and Barbi and friends will have to fight to survive! Ronin James (a.k.a Jae Greene) has […]

Donnie Yen Set To Reprise His JOHN WICK 4 Role In New Caine Spin-Off Filming In 2025

Lee B. Golden III

Chad Stahelski’s January announcement of a development deal with Lionsgate to oversee the John Wick franchise is bearing even more fruit. Alas, now comes word from the trades that a new spin-off is in the works to continue the story from Donnie Yen’s character in last year’s big hit, John Wick: Chapter 4. There’s no logline or official title yet though, but news is production is set to commence in Hong Kong next year with Yen reprising his role. Yen will be starring from a script by Robert Askins (Netflix’s “The Umbrella Academy,” AMC’s “The Son”). No director is attached as of this post. As for all else, you’re welcome to take your share of guesses at what’s to come. The last film jumps off of a post-credits cliffhanger that also involves actress Rina Sawayama’s character. In John Wick: Chapter 4, Yen is introduced as Caine, a blind professional hitman […]

THE ORPHANS: Cast Announced As Production Starts On Olivier Schneider’s New Action Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Action steward Olivier Schneider is underway with The Orphans (a.k.a. Les Orphelins) as of just a few days ago, at that. Schneider is directing this, his second feature after completing upcoming Netflix actioner, GTMax. After a quarrel, Gab and Driss’s lives have taken different paths. Gab is a cop in Internal Affairs. He plays by the books. Driss is a fixer for the mob. He sells himself to the highest bidder. They are brought back together by the brutal death of Sofia, their childhood friend from the orphanage. Killed in a car accident, Sofia leaves behind Leïla, her 17-year-old daughter. Determined to find the killer, Leïla unknowingly tracks down the son of a ruthless businesswoman who relies on vicious henchmen to protect her family’s secrets. With no time to settle their personal scores, the two orphans must now join forces to find Leïla before she commits an irredeemable act. The […]

ROAD HOUSE 2 Is In The Works At Amazon

Lee B. Golden III

This little news byte made it past me as I’d been recuperating from a shitty fever this week. Indeed though, a Road House sequel is happening, and I’m hear for it. Jake Gyllenhaal starred in the remake along with a bevy of talents that reimagined the 1989 action thriller that starred the late Patrick Swayze. Doug Liman directed the film which centers on a downtrodden ex-fighter whose latest hire at a Road House in the Florida Keys forces him to confront his darker side when the town’s worst auspices begin surfacing. There’s a whole history of behind-the-scenes brouhaha and legal stuff that occurred before (and after) the film’s launch back in March, which imaginably nearly upended the PR campaign. Luckily, the film’s two leads, including Conor McGregor got in front of the controversy to puts some glitz and glam before the media. The result? Welp… Per Amazon MGM Studios, its […]

KUNG FU Shapes Up For Giddens Ko’s Latest Film Adaptation In New Stills

Lee B. Golden III

Golden Horse is at the Marche du Film touting its package with the rest of the global film bunch at Cannes. Included in the slate is Kung Fu, ten years in the making and now adapted for the screen by Giddens Ko (Mon Mon Mon Monsters, Miss Shampoo) whose own 2005 novel serves as the basis for the new martial arts flick he directs. High school loser student Yuan accidentally aids a bullied, homeless man, only to find out later that this man is a Kung Fu master resurrected for a 500-year entanglement with his berserk, evil fellow swordsman. Present day, Yuan and his own fellow Ah-yi are taken as disciples by the master. At first, they enjoy following the master’s order to uphold justice, while also earning a brief satisfaction and the favor of Yi-jing, another female disciple. But soon they will also face the hard side of humanity, […]

ICE FALL: Joel Kinnaman Takes Cold Aim In A First Look At The New Thriller

Lee B. Golden III

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Stefan Ruzowitzky (The Counterfeiters, Deadfall, Netflix’s “Barbarians”) is wrapped in Bulgaria on new action thriller, Ice Fall. A first look is now available with Arclight Films repping international sales at Cannes, and is co-repping domestic with Capstone Global. Take a look: Ice Fall centers on a young Indigenous game warden who arrests an infamous poacher only to discover that the poacher knows the location of a plane carrying millions of dollars that has crashed in a frozen lake. When a group of criminals and dirty cops are alerted to the poacher’s whereabouts, the warden and the poacher team up to fight back and escape across the treacherous lake before the ice melts. The cast includes Joel Kinnaman (Suicide Squad, The Suicide Squad, Silent Night), Cara Jade Myers (Killers of the Flower Moon), Danny Huston (Wonder Woman, upcoming The Crow), Academy Award-nominated and First Nations (Oneida) actor Graham […]

Louis Koo and Sammo Hung - Twilight of the Warriors - Walled In

TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED-IN Trailer Launches Ahead Of UK And Irish Release In Late May

Lee B. Golden III

Trinity CineAsia is proudly taking the mantle for its UK and Irish release of Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled-In. The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Soi Cheang (Mad Fate, Limbo, Dog Bite Dog), and is based on the hit manhwa “City of Darkness” by Andy Seto, and the novel by Yuyi. Set in British colonial Hong Kong in the 1980’s, Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In follows a troubled youth as he accidentally enters the infamous Kowloon Walled City – a dangerous Chinese enclave ripe with gang crime and corruption. He soon discovers order amidst the chaos, and gains life lessons from the inhabitants as they resist a villainous invasion. With a production budget of $40 million USD, it is one of the most expensive Hong Kong films ever made. The excellent ensemble cast brings together rising stars Raymond Lam (Detective vs Sleuths), Terrance Lau (Anita), Tony Wu (The Lyricist Wannabe) and […]

BABY ASSASSINS Is Getting A Killer Dozen Episodes For TV Tokyo Later This Year

Lee B. Golden III

A twelve-episode series is in order at TV Tokyo for a continuation of the Baby Assassins franchise. Actors Akari Takaishi and Saori Izawa will reprise their roles as portrayed in the current films from writer/director Yugo Sakamoto. The announcement comes off the heels of the teaser for the third and latest feature installment, Baby Assassins: Nice Days, which arrives on September 27 in Japan. According to the film’s official website, the series will broadcast in the weeks leading up to the film’s release. In addition to Sakamoto, who is penning and directing the show, action director Kensuke Sonomura (Hydra, Bad City) will set the stage for the show’s action sequences. Plot details remain under wraps, as does the show’s broadcast plans outside Japan. 2021’s Baby Assassins became a mid-pandemic hit, following the killer exploits of two highly-skilled assassins, high school girls, Chisato, and Mahiro. Their resolve is tested upon gradutation when […]

Blu-Ray Release: Neon Eagle Brings Us The Wild Kung Fu Classic, NINJA TERMINATOR

Shaun Williams

Later this Month, Neon Eagle Video brings one of the most iconic examples of ninja cheese to Blu-Ray in the form of 1985’s NINJA TERMINATOR. And they’re bringing all the bells and whistles. Ninja Terminator is as infamous as martial arts movies come; directed by “cut-and-paste” master, Godfrey Ho. It features Garfield phones, Korean super kicker, Hwang Jang Lee, in a blonde wig and Richard Harrison, who went on to be one of the most well-known ninja actors in cinematic history. And rightfully so. His filmography is bonkers. Previously only avaiable via shoddy VHS rips, Neon Eagle delivers a beautiful remaster from a 4K scan and a host of special features. Including: Disc 1 (Blu-ray): Ninja Terminator Restored from a 4K scan of the negative / 1080p presentation English language audio Optional English SDH subtitles 2:39:1 / 90 minutes / All Region / 1985 / Director – Godfrey Ho Extras: Audio commentary by […]

THE HOUSEMAID Review: Kim Ki-Young’s Debut Message Allegory Deals In Sex, Lies, Tragedy, And Moral Quandry

Lee B. Golden III

My early summer dive into the work of late auteur Kim Ki-young continues with a look at The Housemaid. The 1960 thriller was Kim’s debut, restored nearly half a century later for posterity, and is one of two Kim titles screening between now and July at the Metrograph in New York City. The Housemaid preambles its scintillating tale with a discussion over a man’s affair with a housemaid as reported in a newspaper. The conversation then pans over to a game of Cat’s Cadle between the Kims’ children Ae-soon (Lee Yoo-ri), and Chang-soon (Ahn Sung-ki) as the opening credits role. I instantly caught onto that little bit of optical foreshadowing which goes well in hand with composer Han Sang-gi’s score, which instantly gave me an idea of what to expect after going into this film without seeing any prior footage or reading up. Kim definitely piles up on this aspect […]

Fantasia XXVIII: Death Matches, Time Traveling Samurai, Supernatural Thrills And More In The First Wave!

Lee B. Golden III

It’s early May! That means promo for the 28th edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival is about to pick up some serious steam. It also means the first wave is here for anyone who might be already clearing their schedules for this summer’s event! There’s already some genre delights worth underscoring among the seventeen now made public. I already see myself making a list of all the titles I’d like to catch this year during the festival if possible. Indeed I won’t be able to see all of them, which is usually the case, but not for lack of trying! The 28th edition of Fantasia runs from July 18 through August 4 with screenings at the Concordia Hall and J.A. de Sève cinemas. Additional screens and events will be available at Montreal’s Cinémathèque québécoise and Cinéma du Musée. Discover the first wave in the gallery below, which includes this […]

I, THE EXECUTIONER Teaser: Hwang Jung-Min Returns For More ‘Veteran’ Cop Action From Ryoo Seung-Wan!

Lee B. Golden III

Unbelievably, Ryoo Seung-wan’s Smugglers is yet to make it stateside. Perhaps that will change given the traction the oft-touted action filmmaker is now getting with his next affair, I, The Executioner, which screens out of competion at Cannes this month. Detective Seo Do-cheol (HWANG Jung-min) and his Major Crime Investigation Division tirelessly track down criminals day and night, often at the expense of their personal lives.When the murder of a professor reveals links to past cases, suspicions of a serial killer arise, plunging the country into turmoil. As Major Crimes delves into the investigation, the killer taunts them by publicly releasing a teaser online, indicating the next victim, and intensifying the chaos.To tackle the escalating threat, the team brings in idealistic rookie officer Park Sun-woo (JUNG Hae-in), leading to unexpected twists in the case’s trajectory. CJ ENM is proudly signaling fans with a stimulating teaser to hold folks over until […]