THE RAID: Screenwriter Adam G. Simon Dishes On Felix, ‘Breaking New Ground’ For The Action, And More

Reading Allan Sealy’s interview at MVPLife with screenwriter Adam G. Simon (Man Down) might have you spitting your drink when you reach the portion discussing his work on Joe Lynch’s upcoming crime noir redux, Point Blank. The film is one of several subjects surrounding Simon’s work slate going into the new year, speicifically with The Raid, which Joe Carnahan (Smokin’ Aces, Stretch) is slated to begin shooting early next year.

As usual, Simon gave away very little about the project while additionally sharing his thoughts on its early development with WarParty producing partners Carnahan and actor Frank Grillo, and just a little more.

“You know, that wasn’t just the fans of the franchise asking that question.” said Simon, reflecting on fans asking why even bother remaking the Gareth Evan-directed Indonesian crime thrillers. “Joe and Frank both asked the question. I asked the question. Why are we doing this? That is why the reimagining aspect of it is so critical. It gave us the opportunity to explore things that the original didn’t. We get to explore violence and the complexities of brotherhood. Why we fight the ones we love and the price of loyalty.”

Simon then goes into Carnahan’s focus on the “new technology” involved in “breaking new ground” for the film’s action, adding “That was something the original had, and It was a breath of fresh air in the action genre. Joe and Frank are planning to do the same thing with the remake”. He further delved into the topic of the film’s key villain, Felix, citing him as Carnahan’s brainchild, telling Sealy “The jump-off point for Felix came from the twisted mind of Carnahan. From that moment I became the Igor to his Frankenstein in the lab. Felix believes he is right or at least that he is in the right. On the page, I find myself siding with him and at times feeling for his character. Tama for me was like a feral, brutal, blunt instrument. Felix is like a heat-seeking missile.”

Simon first revealed the role of Felix last month in an interview with A Dose Of Buffa, describing him as a “hero in his own story”, and a hybrid between Gary Oldman’s respective roles in True Romance and Leon: The Professional as “Drexl” and “Norman”. To date, the character is the only other real detail we have about the film next to its setting in Caracas, Venezuela, and the angle from which Simon’s script will approach its characterization of the two brothers to be cast in the new film.

Regarding the action, it’s worth noting that Evans’ application of martial arts fight scenery was a rewarding continuation after Merantau (2009). Starring actor Iko Uwais’ execution and Silat-based choreography, coupled with near-seamless editing and cinematography, and amply-paced performances and stunts became greatly pivotal towards its impression upon fans and subsequent success that became a sitting standard for fans of action cinema.

Evans, still busy on his own endeavors, exec producing the new film. Carnahan, who also produced Point Blank, is currently in post-production with Boss Level starring Grillo along with Mel Gibson, Michelle Yeoh and Selina Lo for distribution from Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios. Carnahan is also producer on debut feature director Ben Bray’s vigilante superhero thriller, El Chicano, currently on deck for a March 22 release next year from Open Road’s Briarcliff Entertainment.

Lee B. Golden III

filmcombatsyndicate@gmail.com | Web

Native New Yorker. Lover of all things pizza, chocolate, pets, and good friends. Karaoke hero. Left of center. Survivor. Fond supporter of cult, obscure and independent cinema - especially fond of Asian movies and global action cinema. Author of the bi-weekly Hit List. Founder and editor of Film Combat Syndicate. Still, very much, only human.