In a significant casting update for the upcoming action-thriller Empire City, Power and Army of the Dead star Omari Hardwick has officially joined the ensemble, starring alongside Gerard Butler and Hayley Atwell. The high-stakes production is currently underway in Melbourne, Australia, marking a compelling convergence of talent for this intense hostage crisis narrative.
The High-Stakes Plot of 'Empire City'
Empire City promises a gripping, contained thriller, centering on a volatile hostage situation unfolding within the confines of New York’s Clybourn Building. The film’s premise places audiences directly into the heart of the crisis, relying on strong action choreography and tense psychological drama.
Atwell and Butler Lead the Rescue Mission
Gerard Butler stars as Rhett, a dedicated firefighter whose routine is shattered when the crisis erupts. His mission becomes deeply personal as he must fight his way through the besieged building alongside his squad to save the trapped captives.
Hayley Atwell steps into the role of Dani, Rhett’s NYPD wife, adding a crucial layer of personal jeopardy and professional expertise to the rescue efforts. The dynamic between Butler’s hardened first responder and Atwell’s law enforcement background is set to be a major focus of the narrative.
Hardwick Takes on the Antagonist Role
Omari Hardwick, celebrated for his commanding presence in the series Power and his role in Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, is slated to portray the film’s primary antagonist, Hawkins. This casting choice signals a formidable adversary for Butler’s protagonist, suggesting a battle of wills as much as a physical confrontation.
Joining Hardwick in opposition is Mel Jarnson (known for Mortal Kombat), who plays Hawkins’ key operative, Leda. The presence of these antagonists suggests a well-organized and ruthless threat against the trapped civilians and the rescue teams.
A Stellar Supporting Cast and Production Team
The ensemble cast supporting Butler’s Rhett includes a mix of established television and film actors, ensuring depth in the various squad roles. Key additions include Tre Hale (Platonic), Michael Beach (Mayor of Kingstown), Dominic Bogart (American Primeval), Stephen Murphy (The Odyssey), and Jack DiFalco (Daredevil). Kaiwi Lyman (Den Of Thieves) is also set to feature in a supporting capacity.
Behind the Camera Visionaries
The project is helmed by director Michael Matthews, known for his creative vision in Love and Monsters. Production is managed by a powerhouse team including Marc Butan (Plane), Gerard Butler himself (lending his producer muscle after Den of Thieves), Alan Siegel (Paris Has Fallen), and Paul Currie (Hacksaw Ridge).
The screenplay, penned by Brian Tucker (Secret Invasion) and S. Craig Zahler (Bone Tomahawk), suggests a script grounded in taut action and sharp dialogue, characteristic of both writers’ previous work.
Momentum for Omari Hardwick
The casting arrives at a high point for Omari Hardwick’s career trajectory. Beyond his iconic turn as “Ghost” St. Patrick in Power, Hardwick has recently been involved in high-profile projects, including the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Section 31 and the upcoming Prime Video limited series chronicling the life of Muhammad Ali, The Greatest.
Furthermore, Hardwick is set to star in the highly anticipated Bosch prequel series, Start Of Watch, for MGM+. His artistic endeavors extend beyond acting, evidenced by his recent second consecutive Grammy nomination for his spoken word poetry, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Filming Underway in Australia
With principal photography reportedly halfway complete in Melbourne, the buzz surrounding Empire City is building. The Australian location provides a robust backdrop for the large-scale action sequences required for a major hostage thriller. Fans eagerly await the first look at this new collaboration featuring Atwell, Butler, and Hardwick, anticipating a tense and explosive cinematic experience when Empire City eventually hits screens.
