Sam Claflin, Rupert Friend to star in WWII thriller 'Perdition'
British actors Sam Claflin and Rupert Friend have been confirmed as the lead stars for the upcoming World War II action thriller, Perdition. Known for his roles in Peaky Blinders and the Hunger Games franchise, Claflin will also serve as an executive producer. Friend (Asteroid City) joins him in this highly-anticipated project. The film is set to be directed by Henry Dunham of The Standoff at Sparrow Creek fame.
What is the plot of 'Perdition'?
Amid the backdrop of a war-ravaged Belgian landscape in December 1944, Perdition unfolds the gripping tale of a lone American soldier (Claflin) who barely escapes a POW (Prisoner of War) camp execution. Tasked with navigating the treacherous terrain to safeguard both his own life and a valuable cargo rescued from captivity, he finds himself pursued by a merciless Nazi officer (Friend) determined to capture him at any cost.
'Perdition' set to begin production this fall
Perdition, currently in pre-production, is reportedly scheduled to start principal photography this fall. The film will be produced by Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee under Thunder Road Pictures—a production company known for the John Wick franchise. To note, Mister Smith Entertainment is commencing global sales of the film at the Cannes Film Market, with CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group collaborating to represent North American distribution rights.
'It's singular, intense, emotional, and visually stunning...'
Producer Iwanyk expressed enthusiasm about working with director Dunham, stating: "Henry Dunham is one of the most exciting young filmmakers we have ever worked with. His vision for Perdition blew us away. It's singular, intense, emotional, and visually stunning." Echoing this sentiment, Dunham shared: "Perdition is a story about a chance survival, the responsibility it imbues, and the need to make it count for something."
Meanwhile, quick look at Claflin, Friend's upcoming ventures
Following his Golden Globe-nominated performance in Daisy Jones and the Six, Claflin is currently immersed in filming Harlan Coben's thriller Lazarus. Additionally, he recently wrapped filming on The Count of Monte Cristo—in which he portrays the titular character. Later this year, audiences can catch him in the Lionsgate thriller Bagman. Meanwhile, Friend is making waves with his versatile roles, including appearances in Wes Anderson's Netflix shorts The Swan and The Ratcatcher, as well as the Disney+ series Obi Wan Kenobi.