In an exciting development for action-adventure cinema, Dave Bautista, celebrated for his roles in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Dune,” is set to lead the cast of the post-apocalyptic adventure film “Afterburn.” The movie, which also stars esteemed actor Samuel L. Jackson, known for his Oscar-nominated performances, delves into a world ravaged by a catastrophic solar flare that has obliterated technology globally, setting the scene a decade after the disaster.
Bautista will portray Jake, a former soldier turned treasure hunter, navigating this new world’s dangers to retrieve lost treasures of the old world for those with the means to pay. His character’s journey intensifies as he embarks on a mission alongside Drea, a freedom fighter, to secure the Mona Lisa before it falls into the hands of a deranged warlord. Jackson will bring to life the character of Valentine, a fellow freedom fighter, adding depth to the narrative with his seasoned acting prowess.
The story is an adaptation of the Red 5 comics/graphic novel series “Afterburn,” promising a blend of thrilling action and intriguing post-apocalyptic exploration. The film’s production is set to commence in Europe in April, with “Afterburn” highlighted as a major attraction at the upcoming European Film Market, thanks to its high-budget and the anticipation surrounding its all-star cast and seasoned production team.
J.J. Perry, known for his remarkable work on “The Killer’s Game” and his expertise as a second-unit director and stunt coordinator on famed franchises like “John Wick” and “Fast & The Furious,” will direct the film. The production team includes notable figures such as Neal H. Moritz of the “Fast and Furious” franchise and Steve Richards, known for his work on the “Sherlock Holmes” and “The Matrix” trilogies, among others, ensuring a rich production quality and action-packed execution.
“Afterburn” marks a significant project for the producers, turning a long-standing passion project into reality after initial attempts to launch the production in 2018. With a fresh take and a dynamic team, the film is set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of adventure and speculative fiction.
This collaboration of Bautista and Jackson, under Perry’s direction, is anticipated to offer a cinematic experience that combines the thrill of “Indiana Jones” with the speculative depth of “Children of Men.” The promise of real, practical stunt work and the expertise of the production team herald “Afterburn” as a film that will set new standards for action and adventure storytelling.
