Remember the days of Jackie Chan’s iconic kung fu and comedic performances that captivated audiences worldwide? Well, get ready to witness his awe-inspiring stunts once again as he joins forces with WWE legend John Cena in the upcoming action-comedy film, Hidden Strike. Directed by Scott Waugh (known for Need for Speed), this movie promises a thrilling combination of vehicle-blasting escapes reminiscent of Fast and Furious and explosive action akin to The Expendables, all infused with the beloved buddy cop movie feel that Jackie Chan is renowned for.
Formerly known as S.N.A.F.U, Project X, and Project X-Traction, Hidden Strike follows the story of two ex-special forces veterans, played by Cena and Chan, who are on a mission to escort civilians through the treacherous “Highway of Death” in Baghdad, one of the world’s most dangerous roadways. Their objective is to safely transport their cargo to the Green Zone while facing countless enemies, bullets, and explosions along the way.
In a behind-the-scenes video released by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission, glimpses of two large-scale action scenes filmed in the United Arab Emirates are revealed. One scene takes place in the state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi airport, where Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, navigates the terminal before making a daring rooftop escape. The second scene, set in the stunning desert landscapes, showcases Chan riding a horse in a thrilling chase sequence.
Hidden Strike marks the first on-screen collaboration between Cena and Chan, although they have also lent their voices to the upcoming animated film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem! The release date for Hidden Strike has yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to hit American theaters sometime in 2023 under the distribution of XYZ Films.
Joining Cena and Chan in the cast is Game of Thrones alum Pilou Asbaek as the main antagonist, Owen Paddock, and Amadeus Serafini as Henry Van Horne, the younger brother of Cena’s character. Zhenwei Wang, Minghau Hou, Li Ma, and Rachael Holoway also contribute to the ensemble.
Hidden Strike promises an adrenaline-fueled adventure set against the backdrop of Iraq. With Waugh’s expertise and the dynamic pairing of Cena and Chan, audiences can expect an explosive and entertaining film experience. Stay tuned for more updates on the exact release date and prepare to be thrilled by Hidden Strike’s action-packed storyline.