Highland Film Group has officially shifted into high gear, locking down a massive haul of international distribution deals for the high-octane action thriller Barracuda. With a cast that could successfully defend the multiverse and a director who knows his way around a visual trip, the film is currently burning rubber through production in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The Drivers and the Mechanics
Leading the charge is Anthony Mackie (Captain America himself), joined by Dafne Keen Fernández (reunited with her fellow Marvel alum after a summer spent making Deadpool & Wolverine look easy). Rounding out the ensemble are Steven Bauer (Breaking Bad), Anthony Del Negro, and Don Worley.
Behind the lens, Neil Burger (Limitless, The Illusionist) is directing a script by Adam Mason and Simon Boyes. If Burger’s previous work is any indication, expect this chase to look as sleek as the vintage car it’s named after.
The first image has arrived, revealing Mackie, locked and loaded beside Dafne Keen Fernández, and a sadly scratched Barracuda.
Amazon Leads the Pack
Highland Film Group has successfully sold the rights to a laundry list of global heavyweights. Amazon clearly liked what they saw, snapping up the worldwide rights.
The Plot: 100 Miles of Bad Road
In Barracuda, Mackie plays Karl, a former smuggler with enough emotional baggage to weigh down a semi-truck. Karl decides to storm a Mexican nightclub to rescue a kidnapped teenager named Jodie (Keen). However, things go from “tense” to “total carnage” very quickly.
After killing the club owner’s brother and “borrowing” a pristine 1973 Plymouth Barracuda, Karl and Jodie find themselves in a 100-mile sprint toward the U.S. border. It’s a high-speed race for redemption. The only thing hotter than the desert sun is the trail of lead and burnt rubber they leave behind.
This isn’t the first time Mackie has buckled up for an insane, wild ride. He also stars on the TV series adaptation of the hit game “Twisted Metal,” so you know he feels comfortable behind the wheel.
From the Pit Wall
“Neil Burger is bringing a striking visual style to this project. It’s big, it’s bold, and the action is visceral because we’re doing it for real—not just in a computer,” said Highland COO Delphine Perrier.
CEO Arianne Fraser added, “Thanks to our partners at Amazon and our incredible international distributors, the footage we’re seeing out of New Mexico is already looking incredible.”
What Else is in the Highland Garage?
If Barracuda isn’t enough to get your pulse racing, Highland Film Group is juggling a stacked slate of upcoming projects:
-The Mark: An action-spy thriller starring Jessica Alba.
-Just Play Dead: A thriller featuring the legendary duo of Samuel L. Jackson and Eva Green.
-The Good Samaritan: Starring Daisy Ridley and Josh Duhamel.
-Iron Jane: Starring Eiza Gonzalez.
Barracuda is being co-financed by Aperture Media Partners, with Highland and UTA Independent Film Group handling the domestic side of the business. Expect the engines to start roaring in theaters and on streams soon.
Are you excited to see Anthony Mackie back behind the wheel for Barracuda?
.
