A new high-stakes action thriller is taking shape with Empire City, which has added Omari Hardwick, Michael Beach, and Tre Hale to its growing ensemble as production continues overseas.
Set against the backdrop of New York City, Empire City centers on a volatile hostage situation inside the Clybourn Building. Gerard Butler stars as Rhett, a veteran firefighter forced into a relentless race against time when captives are trapped inside the building. Complicating matters further, Rhett’s wife Dani—an NYPD officer played by Hayley Atwell—is also caught in the unfolding crisis.
Omari Hardwick takes on the role of Hawkins, the film’s primary antagonist, positioning him opposite Butler in what’s shaping up to be a physical and psychological showdown. Mel Jarnson co-stars as Leda, Hawkins’ trusted and dangerous second-in-command.
Rounding out Rhett’s firefighting squad are Tre Hale, Michael Beach, Dominic Bogart, Stephen Murphy, and Jack DiFalco, each stepping into roles that put them directly in the line of fire as the situation escalates.
The film is currently shooting in Melbourne, Australia, with production reported to be around the halfway mark. Michael Matthews directs, continuing his run in the action-adventure space following Love and Monsters. Producing duties are shared by Marc Butan, Butler, Alan Siegel, and Paul Currie.
The screenplay comes from Brian Tucker and S. Craig Zahler, signaling a gritty, tension-driven approach to the story.
With a cast anchored by veteran performers and a premise built on urgency and spectacle, Empire City is positioning itself as a muscular addition to the modern hostage-thriller genre as it moves closer to completion.