Samuel L. Jackson and Dave Bautista Ignite the Screen in a New Sci-Fi Action ‘Afterburn’ Look
Samuel L. Jackson and Dave Bautista are leading the cast of the new sci-fi action film Afterburn, and fans are getting a first look at the movie through newly released posters.
The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world ten years after a massive solar flare destroyed much of Earth’s technology. Bautista plays Jake, a former soldier turned treasure hunter who searches for pre-flare artifacts for powerful clients, including the Mona Lisa.
Jackson stars as Valentine, a freedom fighter, while Olga Kurylenko also plays a freedom fighter named Drea. Kristofer Hivju rounds out the main cast.
Afterburn is based on the Red 5 Comics series by Scott Chitwood, Paul Ens, and Wayne Nichols. The project first began development in 2018 but was paused for several years before restarting in 2024. J. J. Perry directs the film, with Matt Johnson and Nimród Antal credited as writers.
“The story takes place in a world completely changed by disaster,” one source said, highlighting the film’s post-apocalyptic setting.
The production has had a long history. Early reports in 2008 mentioned Tobey Maguire as a co-producer, with Gerard Butler and Antoine Fuqua later attached to star and direct at different points. By 2024, Bautista and Jackson were confirmed as the leads, and the film moved forward with Original Film, Endurance Media, and Dogbone Entertainment involved in production.
Filming started on May 10, 2024, in Bratislava, Slovakia, and wrapped on June 27. José David Montero served as the cinematographer, and Luke Dunkley edited the film. Roque Baños composed the score, adding music to the intense action sequences.
Exclusive first trailer for ‘AFTERBURN’, a new action thriller starring Dave Bautista, Olga Kurylenko and Samuel L. Jackson
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 2, 2025
The film follows a treasure hunter who ventures to Europe to uncover the Mona Lisa after a solar flare destroyed the Earth's eastern hemisphere pic.twitter.com/tqXliCu4lb
In addition to the trailer, new posters have been released showing Bautista and Jackson in action-packed scenes, giving fans a look at the film’s gritty, futuristic style.
Afterburn will hit select U.S. theaters on September 19th The combination of high-stakes action, a post-apocalyptic world, and strong leads makes it a movie many are eager to see.
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