Update: We’ve been informed that Chad Stahelski isn’t attached to direct Triple Threat, but rather on board to orchestrate the movie’s action design. The original story follows.
Original story: After orchestrating one of the most refreshing action movies in years, John Wick co-directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch largely went their separate ways. Rather than shepherd the 2017 sequel, the latter made tracks to The Coldest City, the Charlize Theron-fronted thriller that’s booked in for late next year. He’s also cropped up in conversation for the vacant Deadpool 2 gig, if reports are to be believed.
Stahelski, on the other hand, is busy putting the final touches to John Wick: Chapter 2 ahead of its planned release in February, but The Hollywood Reporter brings word today of a new project that is just as exciting as the Keanu Reeves-led sequel.
It’s called Triple Threat, and has already enlisted a formidable trio of action stalwarts: Tony Jaa (Ong Bak), Tiger Chen (Man of Taichi) and Iko Uwais (The Raid). News hails from this year’s American Film Market, confirming that the script penned by Dwayne Smith revolves around a “Chinese martial artist who goes to Mexico to rescue his ex-wife and their son after they are kidnapped by a drug cartel.” Arclight Films is backing the project with Wang Xiaolie attached to co-direct with Stahelski.
With a relatively simple, revenge-fuelled premise and a cast of top-tier Asian talent on board, early signs for Triple Threat are certainly promising. Toss in the expertise of Chad Stahelski – a director who had long worked as a stunt coordinator before helming John Wick – and you have a match made in moviemaking heaven.