Scott Adkins’ ‘Death March’: A WWII action epic
A new chapter in WWII cinema
Leading indie distributor Well Go USA has secured the North American rights to the highly anticipated WWII action film, Death March. This film, starring and conceived by action star Scott Adkins (known for the Undisputed franchise and John Wick: Chapter 4), promises to be a gripping addition to the genre.
A harrowing tale of survival
In this intense narrative, penned by Marc Clebanoff, a British airman, portrayed by Adkins, finds himself washed ashore after being ejected from his plane. Captured and imprisoned in a Japanese-run POW camp, he faces brutal torture at the hands of the camp commander, played by veteran actor Peter Shinkoda (I, Robot, Daredevil). The airman must fight for his life against a series of skilled Japanese warriors while awaiting his fate in the infamous Bataan death march.
Behind the scenes
Directed by Louis Mandylor, the film recently wrapped production in the historically rich regions of Subic Bay and Bataan in the Philippines. Although the release date is yet to be announced, the film’s production has already generated significant buzz.
A star-studded cast
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including:
- Michael Copon (As Good as Dead, Power Rangers: Time Force)
- Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone (The Equalizer 2)
- Michael Rene Walton (Reptile)
- Gary Cairns (The Channel, Justified)
- Shane Kosugi (Nine Deaths of the Ninja)
- Masanori Mimoto (Baby Assassins, Hydra)
- Gabbi Garcia (Unbreak My Heart)
A collaborative effort
Death March is a product of international collaboration, involving Los Angeles-based Odyssey Motion Pictures, Brand in Motion, and Filipino partners Myriad Entertainment Corp. and Reality RR Studios. The film’s lead producers are Brandon Menchen of Brand in Motion and Marc Clebanoff, with Doris Pfardrescher and Brennan Lane serving as executive producers for Well Go USA.
Historical inspiration
The film draws inspiration from one of the most harrowing events of WWII—the Bataan death march. Following the Japanese victory at the Battle of Bataan, approximately 60,000 Filipino and 15,000 U.S. prisoners of war were forced to march 65 miles to Camp O’Donnell. It is estimated that 20,000 men perished during the march, with thousands more dying upon arrival. This tragic event was previously depicted in the 2013 black-and-white drama film of the same title by Filipino director Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr..
A showcase of talent
Scott Adkins‘ prowess as both an actor and martial artist is well-known, and Death March provides him with a platform to fully display his considerable talents. Brennan Lane, director of acquisitions and production at Well Go USA, expressed excitement about the film, stating, “Scott’s prowess as an actor and martial artist is evident in every film he touches, and we are especially excited that [the Mandylor-directed] ‘Death March’ allows him the freedom to really showcase his considerable talent.”
An international collaboration
Marc Clebanoff, writer and producer, highlighted the film’s global nature, saying, “Death March is a truly international collaboration, complemented by partners and talents hailing from the United States, the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Canada, the U.K., and Australia. The story we are telling raises the bar for fans of Scott Adkins and the action genre, and it has a unique storyline, strong cultural throughlines, and a grand scope that elevates it to appeal to mainstream audiences.”
Well Go USA’s legacy
Based in Plano, Texas, Well Go USA has a robust library of Asian and action films. Their past acquisitions include the Donnie Yen-conceived Sakra and Soi Cheang‘s Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. They also previously acquired the Adkins-starring sci-fi action comedy Max Cloud.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Death March.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the upcoming film Death March, highlighting its historical context, star-studded cast, and the collaborative efforts behind its production. For cinema enthusiasts, this film promises to be a thrilling addition to the WWII action genre, showcasing the talents of Scott Adkins and a diverse international cast.