Renny Harlin on 'The Beast': An Unconventional Thriller Poised to Elevate Joel Kinnaman's Career

Filmmaker Renny Harlin recently returned to Malta for the Mediterrane Film Festival, where his latest shark thriller, 'Deep Water,' was screened. During a masterclass, Harlin reflected on his past experiences filming in Malta, including his 1995 action movie 'Cutthroat Island,' and expressed his appreciation for the island's unique charm, calling it "the best-kept secret."

Harlin also provided an exciting preview of his forthcoming project, 'The Beast,' set for release in October. This film stars Samuel L. Jackson as a U.S. president caught in his fortified limousine during a coup, alongside Joel Kinnaman as a severely injured Secret Service agent. Harlin lauded the movie's script as "brilliant" and "unusual," promising an opening sequence with the most spectacular action ever witnessed. The narrative centers on these two characters' struggle for survival within the car, which possesses unimaginable defensive and offensive capabilities, leaving audiences to question how they will navigate the perilous situation.

This marks Harlin's fourth collaboration with Samuel L. Jackson, building on their previous work in 'The Long Kiss Goodnight,' 'Deep Blue Sea,' and 'Cleaner.' Harlin expressed strong confidence that 'The Beast' will be a career-defining role for Joel Kinnaman, predicting that his performance will leave viewers astounded. He also emphasized the exceptional chemistry between Jackson and Kinnaman, which he believes is a highlight of the film. Harlin teased the audience about the impenetrable nature of the presidential vehicle, affectionately known as 'the Beast,' and its secret weaponry, suggesting that the film will deliver a gripping and thrilling survival story with a surprisingly positive resolution.

The collaborative spirit and innovative storytelling showcased in 'The Beast' remind us that perseverance and teamwork can lead to extraordinary outcomes, both on screen and in life. It emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and uncovering hidden strengths, much like the characters in the film, to achieve a triumphant conclusion.