Hold on to your seats, because a clash of titans is coming! Al Pacino and Kiefer Sutherland, two legendary actors, are joining forces in 'Father Joe,' an action thriller penned by the visionary Luc Besson. Get ready for a high-octane ride through the underbelly of 1990s Manhattan!
According to Variety, Sutherland will embody Father Joe, a man of unwavering faith who declares war on the city's criminal syndicate. On the other side of the battlefield, Pacino will portray a formidable mob boss whose vast empire is threatened by Father Joe's righteous crusade. Adding another layer of intrigue, Ever Anderson (known for her role as young Natasha Romanoff in 'Black Widow') will play a young woman caught in the crossfire, seeking redemption under Father Joe's guidance. Filming is scheduled to commence in mid-October, with Barthélémy Grossmann, the director of 'Arthur: Malediction,' at the helm.
Sutherland himself expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I have been a fan of Luc Besson going back to ‘Subway’. As a director and a writer, he has a unique capacity to weave drama and action together without sacrificing either. I’m so excited about this opportunity to work with him as the writer of ‘Father Joe’ and director Barthélémy Grossmann. I can’t wait to get started."
It's understandable to be cautiously optimistic, especially considering Besson's recent filmography. While many hoped 'Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets' would recapture the magic of 'The Fifth Element,' it unfortunately fell short for many viewers. But here's where it gets controversial... Could 'Father Joe' be Besson's return to form? Will the combination of Pacino, Sutherland, and a gritty 90s setting deliver the action-packed thriller we've been craving?
Besson's most recent directorial effort, 'Dracula: A Love Tale,' offers a glimpse into his current creative direction. This gothic horror romance, starring Caleb Landry Jones as the iconic vampire, presents a fresh take on the Dracula legend. The film, based on Bram Stoker's novel, reimagines Dracula as a 15th-century prince driven by love and loss, condemned to an eternal existence. Early reviews from its French release have been largely positive, praising its lavish production and focus on Dracula's romantic journey. Vertical plans to release 'Dracula: A Love Tale' in North America on February 6, 2026. "This film is very close to my heart and has been a joy to create over the past two years," Besson shared. "At its core, it’s a love story—Dracula seen in a different light, as a man searching for his lost love over 400 years. It’s been incredible to see audiences connect with it around the world, and I’m thrilled to partner with Vertical to bring this story to North American audiences."
'Father Joe' certainly sounds promising, but will it live up to the hype? And this is the part most people miss... is Besson's writing style still as sharp as it was in his earlier films? Will the dynamic between Pacino and Sutherland create the sparks we're all hoping for? What are your thoughts? Are you excited about 'Father Joe,' or are you approaching it with a healthy dose of skepticism? Share your opinions in the comments below!
