Joining him in this exciting project is Dutch martial arts expert and actor Ron Smoorenburg, who will take on a leading role alongside Seagal. Ron Smoorenburg was discovered in 1997 by Jackie Chan and learned screenfighting the hard way from the master himself during the final rooftop fight in ‘Who am I?’ Ron gained experience by fighting with many of the action stars we know today and eventually created ‘Recharge’. His unique fighting style based on the love of the art and to give something back to the martial arts world.

The cast will also feature familiar faces such as Michael Pare, Michael Qissi, and German Playmate Alona Hertha, adding to the star-studded lineup. To complete the cast we will bring 2 more absolute martial art killers, who we will announce soon to keep the real martial art level in the movie as high as possible. We aim to bring back the motivation of the 80’s, early 90’s combined with a new style.

Alexander: I had breakfast with my longtime friend Andrew Freund in February 2024, and I presented him a DVD of my first Western “Gunfight at Rio Bravo.” Andrew is the director of USA SUMO, and he told me that it could be cool to see sumo stars in a Western one day. After that, he told me the real story of the great Hitychiama’s trip to America in 1907. I was amazed, and we decided to make a movie together. That’s how “The Wide West” was born.

What was it like working with Sumo champions Ichi and Hiroki Sumi?

Alexander: I knew that they were both great champions and very strong athletes, but I didn’t know that they’re as stoic as samurais. We shot our film in the Californian desert, and it was really hot, but Ichi and Hiroki never complained. They worked long days and also performed many takes of actual fight scenes. Also, they are both talented actors, so it was a joy working with them.

Are there things you’ve done with your character Max that you feel like you’ve never done before?

Alexander: Yes, Max was an interesting character for me. Usually, I play ultimate heroes, and you don’t have to ask them twice to fight evil or protect others. But Max is different. He’s a gambler, not an action hero. He has a gun (probably for protection), but he doesn’t want to risk his life. But later, he decides to do it anyway. So I had to “turn down” my inner hero when I was playing Max, and it wasn’t easy.

Is it fair to say “The Wide West” was at least partially inspired by Terence Young’s “Red Sun”?

Alexander: Absolutely. I’m a big fan of “Red Sun.” To be honest with you, Charles Bronson’s character was an inspiration for me when I was getting ready for the role of Max. And the idea of combining East and West (pairing a gunslinger with a samurai) was just executed brilliantly in “Red Sun.”

Where was “The Wide West” made?

Alexander: As I mentioned before, we shot it in California, at WhiteHorse Ranch. Director Joe Cornet made three Westerns there already, so he knew all the locations very well. It was a good experience for me and also an interesting change after shooting “Gunfight at Rio Bravo” and “Taken from Rio Bravo” in Arizona.

Have you ever been in Japan?

Alexander: Not yet. Almost all my movies were released in Japan (starting with “Moscow Heat”), but I’ve never been there for some reason. I hope I’ll be in Tokyo soon for “The Wide West” premiere!

How was working with Nick Baillie, Tatiana Neva and Joe Cornet?

Alexander: Our team was amazing! Nick Baillie is a great actor, and he was always prepared and helpful. Tatiana Neva is so talented and beautiful, and she also did a great job styling all of her character’s wardrobe. We had a lot of big and strong guys in “The Wide West,” but thanks to Tatiana, we also had a stunning lady. Joe Cornet and I made three movies before, and we always had fun. But this time he played a bad guy, and I think he had even more fun doing it.

Do you prefer acting or producing more?

Alexander: I love both. Plus, it’s super easy for me as a producer to work and cooperate with myself as an actor.

How do you keep in shape during production?

Alexander: I just work out every day. Every night, to be precise. I’d go to the hotel’s gym after we were done with shooting, and it doesn’t matter how late it is. That way, I stay in shape and also know my lines better (because I have extra time to study while doing cardio).

What are your favorite martial arts movies?

Alexander: “Enter the Dragon” with Bruce Lee and almost all of JCVD’s movies from the ’80s and ’90s.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Alexander: My friends and idols Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ralf Moeller told me a long time ago (in 2000) that I have to work hard in Hollywood, but I also have to have fun every day. And I’m doing exactly that all these years!

Would you like to direct again?

Alexander: For sure. I think I’ll do it soon. My directorial debut “Black Rose,” was very successful all around the world, and it was my first film which was bought by Netflix for release in North America. I know it’s time for me to return to the director’s chair.

What can you tell us about your next project?

Alexander: I’m getting ready to complete the Rio Bravo trilogy. I think that “Last Heroes of Rio Bravo” will be my next project. I’ll keep you posted!

This latest chapter continues in the same spirit. Nevsky plays another stoic, rugged hero Max, of course – who rides into a lawless frontier town caught in the grip of local events. Sound familiar? That’s because it is.

Nevsky’s character follows a formula made iconic by Clint Eastwood in A Fistful of Dollars (1964). A lone gunman enters town. He doesn’t say much. He watches. He shoots. The town trembles. That basic narrative structure is alive and well here.

The Wide West leans heavily on throwback action beats – slow-motion shootouts, bare-knuckle brawls, and fistfuls of one-liners delivered with thick accents and deadpan faces. Don’t expect Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954) as this isn’t a carefully crafted tale of moral complexity or team-building under pressure. It’s a low-budget flick, shot fast and rough, with just enough grit to keep it moving.

If you know Nevsky’s previous work, you won’t be surprised. The Rio Bravo trilogy was built on this same formula: broad characters, simplified plots, and brute-force action. Fans don’t come for subtlety or polish – they come to see Nevsky clean house with a six-shooter.

What makes The Wide West somewhat interesting is its occasional nods to the cross-cultural mythos between cowboys and samurai.

It doesn’t pull it off as well as Red Sun (1971), the cult film that paired Charles Bronson with Toshirô Mifune and Alain Delon. That movie had real tension, unexpected humor, and a sense of cultural contrast that worked. The Wide West tries to evoke a similar east-meets-west theme, but it’s more of a visual nod than a narrative core. There’s a Japanese side character here – clearly meant to evoke a ronin vibe – but you will be surprised to see two sumo fighters played by Hiroki Sumi and Takashi Ichinojo. I want to say special words about acting of Kaz Kobayashi who played Takanosuke, for me, he is one of the stand out characters.

Ichinojō Takashi is a former professional sumo wrestler from Arkhangai, Mongolia. He was the second foreign-born wrestler, and the first of non-Japanese descent allowed to debut at an elevated rank in the third makushita division of professional sumo due to his amateur sumo success.

The supporting cast includes a few regulars such as Joe Cornet, Tatiana Neva, Nick Baillie, Kerry Goodwin, and Sean Murray. There’s a grizzled sheriff, a gang leader, and a saloon girl with a heart of gold. You’ve seen them all before. Think of it like a grindhouse film with Western aesthetics: it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel – it’s just keeping the horse moving.

If you’re a fan of Nevsky’s previous Rio Bravo entries and basic lone-gunman Westerns then you’ll find The Wide West a good way to spend 90 minutes. The Wide West doesn’t aim for greatness, it knows its audience and delivers what it promises.

Watch it on Xumo Play.

Peter and Bobby Farrelly have previously expressed interest in making a third picture, and now could be the ideal time to catch up with Carrey and Daniels’ lovable characters.

Third Installment Teased at the End of Second Picture

A third Dumb and Dumber picture has been on the cards for a while. In fact, at the end of the second installment, there was a post-credits scene that teased another sequel – Dumb and Dumber For. The release date on the teaser was 2034, though, marking another 20-year gap between films. Even though this wasn’t an official announcement, there is a strong chance that another movie could be made. Hopefully, though, viewers won’t have to wait nine more years for it.

Along with kickstarting Carrey’s career, Dumb and Dumber showed that Daniels has the capability of switching to a more comedic role. It helped the 70-year-old’s career in that sense as well, and he has already expressed a desire to make a return in another picture. It certainly would be interesting to see what angle the Farrelly Brothers decide to go for, perhaps catching up with their beloved characters in a retirement home.

Could Potentially Be Made into a Modern Franchise

In the highly competitive streaming era, the biggest brands are trying to get hold of the best IPs and revisit them for modern audiences. For example, Amazon has picked up the rights to all the MGM movies, meaning that it can make new versions of offerings like Legally Blonde and Tomb Raider. Along with films, it also plans to expand some of these franchises through series and games. This huge move will have other platforms scrambling to catch up, and they’ll be eyeing up other classics that could be ripe for reboots or sequels.

Dumb and Dumber is an attractive option for a streaming service to try to give the franchise treatment to, as it has several factors working in its favor. Aside from the huge names starring and directing, the series has already spilled out into other media. For instance, there’s the Dumb and Dumber Route to Riches slot, which is one of the top listed options at online bingo sites. Aside from bingo sign up offers such as deposit matches and free spins, games like this are a huge draw for players as they are instantly recognizable thanks to the films they are based on.

A reboot of the franchise could leverage the existing slot and bring about new mobile games to get more people interested. There’s also the option of exploring a related series that could showcase other characters or settings in more detail. Alternatively, it could act as a prequel to the films and give the protagonists more of a backstory.

What Are the Stars Working on Now?

For there to be a new Dumb and Dumber, it will need the original stars to return to their iconic roles. Therefore, whether it happens or not could be down to when Carrey and Daniels are free to work together again. Carrey hasn’t been as prolific on the acting scene in recent years as he was in the 1990s, and has only appeared in five pictures over the last decade. It’s clear that he’s being much more selective with his projects, meaning he should be free for a Dumb and Dumber sequel if he chooses to take part in it.

Daniels has also slowed down in recent years, and has only starred in six pictures since Dumb and Dumber To. He’s set to star in Reykjavik as Ronald Reagan, but there has no confirmed release date for that yet.

In the age of reboots and sequels of classic pictures, it would make a lot of sense to release Dumb and Dumber 3. With all the main players expressing their interest in making it, there’s a strong chance that it could soon come to fruition. If it does, it could lead to a new modern franchise with additional content across different media.

“I’m happy to continue our business relationship with NBCUniversal’s Xumo Play and present THE WIDE WEST to the millions of viewers in North America! I’d like to thank my friend and ITN Studios president Stuart Alson for making this deal. My previous Western TAKEN FROM RIO BRAVO stayed on Xumo Play “Most Popular” list for many months and I can’t wait to show the new film on June 1st!” – says Alexander Nevsky.

Movie Synopsis: Three-time Mr. Universe Alexander Nevsky joins Sumo Champions Hiroki Sumi (John Wick 4) and Ichi (Ballerina), and also Nick Baillie (Malicious), Tatiana Neva (Taken from Rio Bravo) in an epic Western adventure from director Joe Cornet (A Prayer For The Damned). 1907. A professional gambler Max (Alexander Nevsky) aids the traveling Japanese sumo wrestlers (Hiroki Sumi, Ichi), the local Judge (Nick Baillie) and beautiful store owner Sybil (Tatiana Neva) against ruthless outlaw (Joe Cornet) and his gang who have attacked a small Californian town. The film is inspired by true events: in the beginning of 20th century, the first-ever sumo delegation from Japan, led by the great Sumo wrestler Hitachiyama, traveled through the United States to Washington D.C., where they met with President Theodore Roosevelt.

ITN STUDIOS ACQUIRE U.S. – JAPANESE ACTION WESTERN “THE WIDE WEST” STARRING ALEXANDER NEVSKY

ITN Studios, a Las Vegas-based production, financing and sales company, has acquired worldwide rights to U.S. – Japanese Western THE WIDE WEST starring international action star and three-time Mr. Universe Alexander Nevsky (Gunfight at Rio Bravo) and Sumo Champions Hiroki Sumi (John Wick 4) and Ichi (Ballerina). It’s the first time ever that real sumo wrestlers star in a feature film.

Nevsky plays a gambler who aids the mysterious Japanese travelers against ruthless outlaws who have attacked a small Californian town. Nick Baillie, Tatiana Neva, Kaz Kobayashi and Joe Cornet round out the key cast.

The film is inspired by true events: In 1907, the first-ever sumo delegation from Japan, led by the great Hitachiyama, traveled through the United States to Washington D.C., where they met with President Theodore Roosevelt.

Joe Cornet directed THE WIDE WEST from Craig Hamann’s screenplay. Sumo expert Andrew Freund created the story and produced the film alongside Alexander Nevsky and his Hollywood Storm production shingle. Nick Baillie and Bryan Boches served as co-producers. Eric Brenner (Crazy Heart) executive produced through ETA Films.

Nevsky announced the deal which he brokered with ITN Studios President Stuart Alson.

THE WIDE WEST is completely finished and will be introduced to buyers at the upcoming Marche Du Film international film market in Cannes.

Hollywood Storm, a Los Angeles-based production and financing company, has released the first trailer and artwork for the American / Japanese Western THE WIDE WEST at the American Film Market in Las Vegas.

The action-packed Western is directed by Joe Cornet (A Prayer for the Damned). Script is written by Craig Hamann (Showdown in Manila).

International action star and three-time Mr. Universe Alexander Nevsky (Gunfight at Rio Bravo) and Sumo Champions Hiroki Sumi (John Wick: Chapter 4) and Ichi (Ballerina) are starring in THE WIDE WEST. Nick Baillie (Malicious), Tatiana Neva (Prey of Wrath), Kaz Kobayashi (Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai) and Joe Cornet are co-starring.

Storyline: 1907. The first-ever sumo delegation from Japan, led by Sumo Legends, travels through the United States to Washington D.C. to meet with President Theodore Roosevelt. When the train is stopped for track repairs, they have to stop in a dangerous Western town, where trouble awaits.

Sumo expert Andrew Freund created the story (based on actual 1907 events) and produced the film alongside Nevsky. Nick Baillie and Bryan Boches served as co-producers. Eric Brenner (Crazy Heart) executive produced through his ETA Films production shingle.

THE WIDE WEST is currently in post-production and will be released internationally in 2025.

The GTCC: A New Era for Tongits

The GameZone online Tablegame Champions Cup represents the pinnacle of Tongits competition. With a staggering ₱10,000,000 prize pool, it’s clear that this is no ordinary tournament. The GTCC brings together 135 of the most talented Tongits players from across the Philippines, each vying for the coveted title of champion.

But what makes the Game zone online games’ GTCC truly special is its role in elevating Tongits from a casual pastime to a professional, skill-based competition. It’s a platform where years of practice and dedication can translate into tangible success, offering players the chance to gain recognition, respect, and potentially life-changing rewards.

The Road to the GTCC

Securing a spot in this elite tournament is no easy feat. Players must prove their worth through the Tongits Free Multi-Table Tournament, a grueling qualification process that runs from April 25 to May 16. Success in both daily and weekly leaderboards is crucial for aspiring champions.

For those interested in testing their skills, the qualification process is accessible through GameZone casino website accounts. It’s an opportunity open to all, but only the best will make it through to the main event.

Inside the GTCC: A Battle of Wits and Nerves

The GTCC is designed to test players’ skills to the utmost, with a format that ensures only the truly elite reach the final table. Let’s break down the journey from qualification to championship:

Group Phase:

The tournament kicks off with 135 players divided into three groups of 45. This initial phase consists of three matches, each spanning 20 rounds. Players are ranked based on their chip counts, with the top 63 advancing to the Promotional Round.

Promotional Round:

The 63 qualifiers are reshuffled into 21 groups of three. This round is divided into two phases, each comprising 60 rounds. At the end, the top 12 players enter the upper bracket, while the remaining 51 compete in the lower bracket.

Semifinals:

Nine players make it to this stage, divided into three groups of three. After 60 rounds, only the top performer from each group advances to the finals.

Finals:

The championship is decided over 100 intense rounds. The player with the highest chip count at the end is crowned the GTCC champion, with second and third places determined by remaining chips.

The Human Stories Behind the Cards

While the format of the GTCC is impressive, it’s the stories of the players that truly bring the tournament to life. Last year’s top three finishers—Mark Austria, Dannyca Mataro, and Vince Santiago—each have tales that highlight the drama and excitement of high-stakes Tongits.

Mark Austria, hailing from Rizal, emerged as the inaugural GTCC champion. His journey was one of faith and perseverance, staging a dramatic comeback in the finals to claim victory with 4,100 coins. “I feel grateful, blessed, and thankful because I really didn’t expect to win,” Austria shared, emphasizing how his unwavering belief carried him through.

Runner-up Dannyca Mataro described the tournament as one of the most intense experiences of his life. Despite holding a significant lead early in the finals, Mataro’s gracious acknowledgment of the fierce competition showcased the spirit of sportsmanship that permeates the GTCC.

Vince Santiago, who secured third place, entered the tournament with a mission to elevate Tongits in the public eye. “I wanted to show many people that Tongits is not just a pastime,” Santiago explained, underlining the GTCC’s role in promoting Tongits as a serious, skill-based game.

The Future of Tongits

The GTCC is more than just a tournament; it’s a catalyst for the growth and recognition of Tongits as a competitive sport. By providing a professional platform for skilled players, it’s inspiring a new generation of Tongits enthusiasts and helping to preserve this important aspect of Filipino culture.

As the GTCC continues to grow in prestige and prize pool, it’s likely to attract even more talented players and increased media attention. This could lead to Tongits gaining recognition on the global stage, potentially joining the ranks of other competitive card games in international tournaments.

The Impact on Filipino Culture

The rise of competitive Tongits through the GTCC is having a profound impact on Filipino culture. Traditionally played in homes and social gatherings, Tongits is now being recognized as a game of skill and strategy that can be played at a professional level. This shift is instilling a sense of pride in Filipino communities, both in the Philippines and around the world.

Moreover, the GTCC is helping to preserve and promote Filipino cultural heritage. As younger generations become interested in competitive Tongits, they’re also learning about the game’s history and its place in Filipino society. This cultural connection is strengthening bonds between generations and communities.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to this year’s GTCC and beyond, the future of competitive Tongits is bright. The tournament is not just creating champions; it’s fostering a community, preserving cultural heritage, and opening up new possibilities for players and fans alike.

For players, the GTCC offers a chance to test their skills against the best, to gain recognition, and to potentially change their lives through substantial prize winnings. For fans, it’s an opportunity to witness thrilling competitions and to connect with a beloved aspect of Filipino culture.

And for the Philippines as a whole, the rise of competitive Tongits represents a unique opportunity to showcase its rich cultural heritage on a global stage. As the game continues to grow in popularity and prestige, it carries with it the stories, traditions, and spirit of the Filipino people.

In conclusion, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup is more than just a tournament. It’s a celebration of skill, a testament to the enduring appeal of Tongits, and a glimpse into the exciting future of competitive card games. As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this thrilling journey, one thing is clear: the world of Tongits will never be the same.

Joining Stisen are veteran stars Peter Stormare and Eric Roberts, promising a gritty, revenge-fueled showdown.

Stisen stars as Jack Johnson, a former Special Forces operative whose world is shattered after a brutal racist attack – led by crime boss Bastion (Stormare) – leaves his pregnant wife dead. In a moment of rage, Jack kills one of the attackers and lands in prison for six years. Upon release, he learns the men responsible were Bastion’s sons.

What follows is a deadly game of retribution. Jack uses the “Stand Your Ground” law to his advantage, luring Bastion’s eldest son into a trap. But the fallout is brutal: Bastion sends wave after wave of killers after Jack. As Jack makes a final stand in his fortified home, Bastion’s daughter—also the town sheriff—must decide where her loyalties lie.

Don’t miss the trailer drop. Stand Your Ground is locked and loaded.

Nick Baillie: I began acting back in 1993 when I was living in Montreal, the city I grew up in. I studied acting for 3 years and then began doing plays and auditioning for small roles in commercials, tv shows and feature films. I landed my first union credit in 1996 on a film called Rowing Through, which was about the 1984 U.S Olympic rowing team.

Budomate: You’ve appeared in an impressive array of notable shows. Which one stands out the most for you?

Nick Baillie: I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some really great shows, like Murdoch Mysteries, Taken, The Dead Zone, Flashpoint and even Degrassi. I’d say my experience on The Dead Zone with Anthony Michael Hall was definitely a highlight. Not only because I grew up watching his movies, but I played a priest who was possessed by the devil, which was a tremendous experience and challenge for me as a young actor.

At one point AMH came up to me and quietly told me that I was in an extreme closeup. He was basically telling me to adjust my performance for the framing, which was such a generous thing for him to do for a young actor. I never forgot that.

Budomate: You were part of the Taken series. How is this version of Bryan Mills different from the classic film?

Nick Baillie: The Taken series, served as a prequel to the original films, and explored Bryan Mills’ earlier years, showing his time as a special operative before the events of the first film. That version of Mills was younger, less experienced, and still honing the skills that would later make him the unstoppable force seen in Taken. In contrast, the Bryan Mills of the film is already a highly skilled and hardened operative with decades of experience. It was also a really fun show to work on.

Budomate: Can you tell us more about the Theatre by the Bay project?

Nick Baillie: Theatre by the Bay is a Shakespeare company that my ex-wife, Larissa Mair and I founded back in 2001. We wanted to bring more work to a struggling industry at that time. Our first season was A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the summer of 2002 under a huge tent right on the edge of a beautiful lake in a town north of Toronto called Barrie, Ontario. We went on to produce over 50 plays in a decade, including Broadway style musicals as well as children’s shows, original works, and of course Shakespeare.

I stayed with the company for almost 15 years, and it taught me many things that have helped me with producing films. The company will soon be celebrating it’s 25th anniversary, so I’m proud to say it’s still alive today even though Larissa and I left over a decade ago. I would say that it is my proudest achievement in my career.

Budomate: Could you share more about the 21-part web series Claddagh, which won the “Outstanding Series Premise/Concept in a Drama” award?

Nick Baillie: Claddagh was created by Alan Duggan, an actor friend of mine back in 2011. He co-wrote it with Anthony Mancini, who is one of my acting mentors. This series took place in Montreal, Canada where I grew up, and it followed a family of Irish gangsters as they dealt with the Italian mob. It was a real window in to how things work in that world.

They were a very big part of the history of Montreal and essentially they ran the show in that city for many years. In some respects they still do. As a matter of fact we had to get them to sign off on the script, and give us permission to shoot the series. In the end they endorsed it and we even shot some scenes in the top Irish leader’s home.

Budomate: Can you tell us about the award-winning documentary Back to Sparta?

Nick Baillie: Back to Sparta is a documentary that follows Angelo Tsarouchas, a Greek Canadian comedian, and personal friend’s journey to Greece, exploring his heritage and seeking to understand his roots. George Tsioutsioulas, the director followed Angelo for the better part of a decade and when I joined the team, we flew to Greece to follow Ang as he returned to his father’s home town years after he passed away.

It was the first time he performed in Greece as well, so we was understandable nervous. The standup show is called “A Night in Athens.” Both were produced by another good friend of mine Robert Cordileone, who coincidentally also produced “Claddagh” with me.

Budomate: You recently played the lead role in the thriller Malicious, directed by John Fallon. How did you land this role, and what can we expect from the movie?

Nick Baillie: Originally Kevin Interdonato, one of the writers and producers, reached out to me in 2018 with the script that he and John Fallon had written. He thought I would be good for the role of William McCabe, the patriarch. Kevin and I had worked on a couple of other movies together in the past and I had a great experience with him, so I jumped at the opportunity.

At one point a production company from Germany came on board, and I actually had to audition for a role I thought I already had. In the end Kevin, John and I produced it ourselves, and shot it in the Poconos. It took us almost 4 years to get it made, but in the end I’m super proud of what we accomplished. It’s currently available on Tubi and Amazon Prime.

Budomate: You’re currently working on the Wide West movie alongside Alexander Nevsky. Could you share more about your character?

Nick Baillie: In The Wide West I play Judge Dwight Ogburn. He is an honest, hard working man who accepts that there are things that happen in his town that may not be so virtuous, but also necessary for the community to thrive. He tries his best to keep the peace and to enforce the law, but doesn’t always get the support he needs. He is a peaceful man, but in the end is forced to resort to violence to ensure that his community is safe, and criminals pay for their actions.

It was a really great role to play. I have always dreamt of being in a western, so this was definitely a treat for me. Alexander always wants people to have fun while they are working, so it made it such an easy production to work on. I look forward to our next western The Last Heroes of Rio Bravo, to be shot later this spring.

The story follows Li Fong (Ben Wang), a kung fu prodigy whose life is turned upside down after a family tragedy forces him to leave Beijing and start over in New York City. Struggling to fit in, Li does his best to stay out of trouble, but danger seems to follow him wherever he goes. When a friend needs his help, Li reluctantly steps into the world of competitive karate – only to discover that his kung fu skills alone won’t be enough.

To prepare for the ultimate showdown, Li trains under Mr. Han, who enlists none other than Daniel LaRusso to help him merge two iconic fighting styles. As Li learns the deeper meaning of martial arts, he must overcome his fears and embrace his unique path.

With an explosive mix of action, heart, and nostalgia, Karate Kid: Legends is shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in the franchise. Watch the latest trailer now!

The Timeless Appeal of the Apex Predator

Shark movies are nothing new. The concept of sharks in cinema has been explored for quite some time, with the classic Jaws helping to set the stage in terms of how they can be done right. Directed by Spielberg, this helped to raise the bar of what can be done with minimal resources. You also have The Meg, which was released in 2018. In this movie, a deep-sea submarine encounters a prehistoric shark, a Megalodon, which was thought to be extinct.

Although this takes a much more high-octane approach when compared to Jaws, it helps to show how much potential the genre has. Our fascination with sharks has also extended to numerous other verticals, including gaming. In titles like Maneater, you play as the shark itself, swimming through an open-world environment, as you complete missions and evolve with a full skill tree.

This action RPG allows you to cause chaos, as you make your way to becoming the biggest predator the ocean has ever known. The shark theme has also been explored in the iGaming vertical with Slingo games like Slingo Shark Week. Games like this often adopt symbols that range from shark fins to fishing boats and chum, transporting players into an underwater world where you never know what lies ahead. Games like adopt a new approach to the theme, but still offer an immersive experience. 

When you break down how much the underwater and shark theme has been explored across different verticals, it’s evident that the genre has a timeless appeal, and that the topic can be explored in so many different ways. In a way, that’s what makes Into the Deep so special, because even though the shark theme has been heavily explored in many ways, the movie still manages to adopt a fresh approach that will go down a hit with action fans.

Underwater Filming Techniques and Action-Packed Sequences 

The movie has a strong visual style, with notable cinematography. One thing that helps this movie to really stand out is the fact that it uses a number of underwater filming techniques. Not only does this help to create tension, it also helps to create a feeling of claustrophobia. This comes across well on the big screen. 

As the film takes a very different approach to what we have seen in shark movies before, this leads to some very good action sequences. The underwater fight scenes are spectacular, with strong performances from all cast members. Action scenes underwater are also notoriously hard to film, as explained here by Film Stories. After all, you’re working against buoyancy, and you are also forced to slow down filming, as you’re working against water pressure. This, combined with time constraints due to breathing in compressed air for a long period of time, can make it challenging for directors to get the result they’re looking for.

The director of the movie has also conducted numerous interviews talking about the underwater scenes being shot, saying that they had to spend three weeks on a boat, and scuba diving underwater. They had to deal with huge water tanks and multiple shooting stages, which added a more technical approach to the movie, while helping them to mitigate some of the challenges they faced. 

For authenticity, the cast of Into the Deep also did a scuba diving excursion to a wreck in Thailand, recreating the close-ups with a water tank, before building a portion of the shipwreck underwater. Although this led to a lot of logistical challenges, advanced VFX techniques helped to bring the realism of the shark to the forefront. This, combined with using advanced filming equipment helped them to convey the same action-packed scenes that you would expect in a shark movie while making sure that the authenticity of being underwater, and exploring the deep wasn’t lost. 

In conclusion, Into the Deep provides a fresh take on shark movies, by portraying the shark as being a methodical hunter, rather than a mindless monster hellbent on destruction. This combined with more complex underwater filming techniques and advanced VFX has helped to make this movie a standout choice for those who prefer their action movies to take place in the deep.