Renny Harlinwas once the heir apparent to the coke-soaked ’80s action empire built byJohn McTiernan, Joel Silver, and Shane Black. So the news of theCliffhangerandDie Hard 2director returning to high-octane cinema withThe Beastis exciting for action fans who grew up with his follow-the-fun approach to filmmaking.
The Beastalso reunites Harlin with Samuel L. Jackson, who he directed in the proto-shark-sploitation filmDeep Blue Seaand the truly GOATed Christmas movieThe Long Kiss Goodnight. The film’s roster also includesSuicide Squadstandout Joel Kinnaman and Guy Burnet ofOppenheimer. Harlin spoke toDeadlinesaying:
“Sam is not just one of those screen icons, but also a dear friend, and joining forces for another action extravaganza has me inspired beyond belief. Joel Kinnaman is another magnetic talent and a good friend as well. Once in a while a new writer with a fresh voice comes along and Umair Aleem has given us a script bursting with original action, and characters who draw from a deep well of emotions. I know that this team is up to something truly special…"
Samuel L. Jackson to Star as Action Hero President in The Beast
Marvel star Samuel L. Jackson will play the POTUS, who finds himself trapped and under attack while in his presidential state car in The Beast.
The plot ofThe Beastis the kind of absurd yet self-serious action mishegoss that Harlin can really sink his teeth into. The film’s title is taken from the name of the presidential limousine, which is equipped with a Q-Branch level of offensive and defensive ordinances. Jackson, who plays the President, is trapped inside his mobile command unit by a band of hostile militia men hungry for a coup, but who learn the hard way that you don’t mess with Jackson’s car - maybe it says “Bad Motherf**ker” on it.
The Renny Harlin Touch
Harlin is known for his practical stunt and effects work, which make his thrilling set pieces stand out against the green-screen flatness of some of his contemporaries. The stunt credits forCliffhangerlook like a Wonka factory indemnity waiver, so it’s apparentHarlin wants the action and locations to be as real as possible in his films, saying of the upcomingCliffhangersequel:
“I hope they are given the money and resources to go on location and shoot it for real,because I think, for the spirit of that movie, it’s important to feel that reality.”
Being on location for the first film also prevented rebuilding all that scenery John Lithgow’s campy villain would have chewed through.
Though Harlin’s output over the last two decades has struggled with critics and audiences alike, his filmmaking prowess and workman-like professionalism have kept him directing steadily since the days of ’80s and ’90s action waned. No stranger to franchise films,Harlin has gotten exceptionally close to some major IP.The Beastwas originally set to be helmed byMeg 2second unit director James Madigan, who left the project for unknown reasons. Harlin stepping in bodes well for the remainder of the production which is currently filming in Spain, while the Finnish director is in post-production onThe Strangers: Chapters 2and3.
No release date has been set forThe Beast. Harlin’sThe Strangers: Chapter 2is set to be released sometime in 2025.
