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To fully understand how long it takes many films, especially smaller movies, to get released after they are first announced, let me direct you to the long-delayed Lexi Alexander helmed dystopian sci-fi martial arts pic Absolute Dominion which was first brought to our attention all the way back in April of 2022 (see my initial post here). To tell you the truth, I once again had forgotten all about this picture until a few days ago when it was brought to light again by Variety. Alexander, who is most famous as the director of Punisher: War Zone that starred the late, great Ray Stevenson, directed this sci-fi martial arts action pic which was originally set to hit Netflix via Blumhouse Pictures. That has since fell through, but there is a light at the end of the title as the movie has acquired new distribution and we also have a first look image of star Désiré Mia for you to view below.
Giant Pictures has now swooped in to bring the film to the masses, and the main synopsis reads: Absolute Dominion takes place In the year 2063 AD, when the world faces catastrophe as zealots and extremists wage a global holy war in the name of spiritual superiority. In a desperate attempt to save humanity from itself, the world’s governing bodies vote to establish ‘The Battle of Absolute Dominion,’ a fierce martial-arts tournament that will determine a champion whose faith will govern humanity and restore peace for the future.
Sounds like a banger, doesn’t it? Well, that remains to be seen but I am one of the few that think Alexander has an eye for action and after a career in stunt work, she delivered one of my favorite Punisher live action adaptations with War Zone. The film stars Désiré Mia, Patton Oswalt, and Alex Winter and it is now poised for a spring 2025 release date and will also be offered at the upcoming EFM for further distribution sales.
From my original post as I still feel this way: I’m immediately intrigued by the futuristic, dystopian vibe and nothing says getting your faith in humanity back like hosting a brutal, winner take all, underground fighting tournament. To each their own I guess but it sounds intriguing and especially if the fight sequences and choreography are first rate.
Punisher: War Zone was certainly hit or miss with fans when it hit in 2009 but I’m a huge fan of it and it’s sincere efforts to capture the spirit of the comic books. Alexander proved that she knows how to film brutal and bloody action set pieces so I’m eagerly awaiting to see what she does with a pure martial arts themed project.
It’s important to note that Phi Tan, who has starred in a bevy of martial arts themed projects throughout the years as well as served as action designer on many more is responsible for the action sequences here. His many credits include Bullet Train, Inception, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Minority Report, and the Pirates of the Caribbean, Transformers and The Hangover franchises. He is also the father of Lewis Tan, who has come into his own as an action star with leading roles in the Mortal Kombat reboot as well as the upcoming sequel. With the elder Tan overseeing the fight choreography, I’m cautiously optimistic to see what this film offers fight fans like myself.
Lock N Load and stay tuned for more intel to hit on Absolute Dominion!
Source: Variety
