We’re not alone in having a certain affinity for the work of Gareth Evans, director of Merantau and The Raid: Redemption. The Welsh director who makes his living in Indonesia, where he has spent years crafting his own brand of brutal martial arts films, just speaks to us on that most special of levels. His films are pure adrenaline shot right into one of those thick veins in your arm. And he’s making more of these films, much to the excitement of everyone who has seen either of his first two films.
In a new press release this week, PT Merantau Films and XYZ Films announced the start of production on The Raid 2 (Indonesian title The Raid 2: Berandal). If that’s not enough, there are also pictures from the set that we’re more than happy to share.
According to the release, The Raid 2 picks up right where the first films ends following ”Rama (Iko Uwais) as he goes undercover and infiltrates the ranks of a ruthless Jakarta crime syndicate in order to protect his family and uncover the corruption in his own police force.”
The film reunites writer/director Gareth Huw Evans with actor Iko Uwais, who will be reprising his starring role. Ario Sagantoro is producing for PT Merantau Films, along with Nate Bolotin, Nick Spicer, Aram Tertzakian and Todd Brown for XYZ Films. Executive producing are Rangga Maya Barack-Evans and Irwan D. Mussry.
In addition to Uwais, the international cast includes Tio Pakusadewo, Putra Arifin Scheunamann, Julie Estelle, Alex Abbad and Roy Marten. The film is currently lensing in Jakarta, Indonesia and is scheduled to shoot for over 100 days. Line producing the film is Daiwanne Ralie, with Matthew Flannery and Dimas Imam Subhono serving as directors of photography.
“To all our fans thank you so much for your support. We can’t wait to come back and show you what we have been working on,” said writer/director Gareth Evans. “We’ll be there in 2014 with a film bigger, better and bloodier! Wish us luck.”
More images below. Click to enlarge, if you dare.
