Dave Bautista has expressed enthusiasm for working alongside actresses of Ukrainian descent and has joined forces with Olga Kurylenko in the upcoming sci-fi action film “Afterburn.” This collaboration follows his previous project, “In the Lost Lands” with Milla Jovovich, which did not perform well at the box office.
“Afterburn,” set a decade after a solar flare has left the world devoid of technology, features Bautista as Jack, an ex-soldier turned treasure hunter. Tasked with retrieving significant artifacts from the old world for wealthy clients, he teams up with Kurylenko’s character, Drea, a freedom fighter. Together, they embark on a mission to locate the Mona Lisa before it falls into the hands of a dangerously unstable warlord.
The film boasts a strong supporting cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, recognized for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Christopher Hivju, known for his portrayal of Tormund in “Game of Thrones.” The film is directed by J.J. Perry, who previously gained recognition as a skilled stunt coordinator and has directed the Netflix action-comedy “Day Shift.”
“Afterburn” is adapted from the Red 5 Comics series written by Scott Chitwood and Paul Enns. The film has already received an R rating due to its violence and strong language. A release date is yet to be confirmed, but the project has experienced its share of challenges, initially being developed by Gerard Butler before being revived by Original Films and Endurance Media in 2024.
This film adaptation represents a renewed effort to bring unique stories from the comic book world to life, further showcasing the diverse talents within the industry. Fans can look forward to seeing Bautista and Kurylenko bring their characters to life in this action-packed narrative.