Netflix has officially scheduled the release of Jeremy Saulnier’s highly anticipated film, “Rebel Ridge,” for 2024. This update comes after the film was initially left out of the streaming giant’s official film slate. Saulnier, known for his intense and visceral films like “Blue Ruin” (2014) and “Green Room” (2016), returns to the director’s chair after a five-year hiatus with this action-packed thriller.
“Rebel Ridge” has had a tumultuous production journey. Originally, John Boyega was set to star in the film, but he abruptly left the project in 2021 under controversial circumstances. Boyega was replaced by Aaron Pierre, and filming resumed in early 2022. The cast now includes Pierre, Don Johnson, James Badge Dale, James Cromwell, AnnaSophia Robb, and Emory Cohen.
Saulnier recently opened up about the chaotic experience of making “Rebel Ridge.” In an interview with Film Stories, he described the production process as “tumultuous,” revealing that the team had to return to the set three years in a row to complete the film. The budget for the movie also ballooned from the initially reported $25 million to around $40 million, making it the biggest undertaking of Saulnier’s career. Filming wrapped in July 2022, with Saulnier announcing the completion on social media, stating, “Third time was indeed the charm.”
While official plot details are still under wraps, “Rebel Ridge” is described as a high-velocity thriller that follows an ex-marine who takes on a group of corrupt cops. The film promises bone-breaking action sequences, suspense, and dark humor, all while exploring systemic injustices in America.
The film’s journey began in November 2019 when it was first announced. Saulnier, who directed and wrote the movie, chose Netflix as the platform for its release, citing the streaming service’s support for mid-budget, old-school action films. Magnus Nordenhof Jonck, known for his work on “The OA” and “Borgen,” was brought on as the director of photography.
“Rebel Ridge” is produced by Filmscience and Bonneville Pictures, with Macon Blair and Louise Lovegrove serving as executive producers. The film’s score is composed by Brooke Blair and Will Blair, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release.
The production of “Rebel Ridge” was anything but smooth. In January 2020, Boyega shared on social media that he was preparing for the role. However, by June 2021, Netflix announced that Boyega had exited the project due to family reasons, halting production. Reports later suggested that Boyega’s departure was due to issues with the script and his accommodations, although his agent defended him, stating that the reasons were personal and unrelated to the production.
After a period of silence, production listings in early 2022 indicated that filming would resume with the new cast. Saulnier confirmed that production had wrapped in July 2022, expressing gratitude to the cast and crew for their dedication.
In March 2024, Saulnier spoke to Film Stories about the film’s post-production status, revealing that the movie was deep into the sound mix process. He acknowledged the challenges faced during production but expressed satisfaction with the final product.
As of now, there is no specific release date for “Rebel Ridge,” but it is confirmed to be part of Netflix’s 2024 film slate. The film has already generated positive buzz, with a test screening in July 2023 receiving favorable feedback.
“Rebel Ridge” is one of several Netflix projects that have faced delays and production challenges. Other titles like “Havoc” and “The Old Guard 2” have also experienced similar issues. Despite these setbacks, the anticipation for “Rebel Ridge” remains high, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release.
The film’s cast features notable names, including Golden Globe winner Don Johnson as Chief Sandy Burnne, Oscar nominee James Cromwell as Judge, and David Denman as Officer Evan Marston. The ensemble cast is expected to deliver powerful performances, adding to the film’s appeal.
In conclusion, “Rebel Ridge” is set to be a thrilling addition to Netflix’s 2024 lineup. With Jeremy Saulnier at the helm and a talented cast, the film promises to deliver intense action, suspense, and a thought-provoking exploration of systemic injustices. Fans of Saulnier’s previous work and action-thriller enthusiasts alike have much to look forward to when “Rebel Ridge” finally hits the streaming platform.
Source: What’s on Netflix, Film Stories, The Hollywood Reporter
