Get ready for a cinematic showdown that promises to be nothing short of explosive! Al Pacino and Kiefer Sutherland are teaming up in Luc Besson’s latest action thriller, Father Joe, and it’s already shaping up to be a must-watch. But here’s where it gets controversial: can Besson, known for his hit-or-miss ventures, deliver a film that lives up to the star power of its cast? Let’s dive in.
According to Variety, the film is set in the gritty, crime-ridden streets of 1990s Manhattan, where Sutherland takes on the role of a devout man of faith who declares war on the city’s criminal underworld. Pacino, on the other hand, plays a ruthless mob boss whose empire becomes the target of Father Joe’s crusade. Caught in the crossfire is Ever Anderson (known for her role as young Natasha Romanoff in Black Widow), who portrays a young woman seeking redemption under Joe’s guidance. Production kicks off in mid-October, with Barthélémy Grossmann (Arthur: Malediction) at the helm.
Sutherland shared his enthusiasm in a statement, praising Besson’s unique ability to blend drama and action seamlessly. ‘I’ve been a fan of Luc Besson since Subway,’ he said. ‘Working with him and director Barthélémy Grossmann on Father Joe is a dream come true. I can’t wait to bring this story to life.’
But here’s the part most people miss: Besson’s recent track record has been a mixed bag. While his earlier works like The Fifth Element remain iconic, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets fell flat for many viewers, myself included. So, will Father Joe mark a triumphant return to form, or will it struggle to recapture the magic of his past successes? Only time will tell.
Speaking of Besson’s recent projects, his gothic horror romance Dracula: A Love Tale hit theaters in France this summer to largely positive reviews. Starring Caleb Landry Jones as the iconic vampire, the film reimagines Dracula as a 15th-century prince who, after losing his wife, denounces God and becomes cursed to wander the centuries in search of his lost love. Critics have praised its lavish production design and emotional depth, drawing comparisons to Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Vertical will bring the film to North American audiences on February 6, 2026.
‘This film is very close to my heart,’ Besson said. ‘It’s a love story at its core, exploring Dracula in a way we haven’t seen before. I’m thrilled to share it with North American viewers.’
Now, here’s the controversial question: Can Besson’s reinterpretation of Dracula truly stand out in a genre saturated with vampire tales? And will Father Joe manage to balance its action and drama without losing its soul? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
