Alabama director’s new action movie starring UFC superstar looks wild

After massive success in the MonsterVerse, Alabama-raised director Adam Wingard is pivoting back to his horror and thriller roots. While fans previously anticipated a sequel to the classic "Face/Off," Wingard has shifted his focus to an adrenaline-fueled new project titled "Onslaught."

A High-Stakes Thriller

The film centers on a mother, played by Adria Arjona, who finds herself in a desperate fight to protect her family from a terrifying threat that has escaped a top-secret military facility. Joining Arjona in this action-packed cast are Drew Starkey, Rebecca Hall, Reginald VelJohnson, Dan Stevens, and UFC superstar Alex Pereira.

The production also features Alabama native Michael Biehn, an icon known for his roles in "The Terminator," "Aliens" and "Tombstone." For those keeping an eye on the sports crossover, Pereira—a former two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and Middleweight Champion—is set to face Ciryl Gane during the UFC's White House event on June 14.

The Road to Onslaught

Wingard, who spent much of his upbringing in Marion, Calera, and Birmingham, built his reputation on cult hits like "You’re Next," "The Guest," and segments of the "V/H/S" anthology series. His trajectory eventually led him to direct blockbuster spectacles including "Godzilla vs. Kong" and "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire." "Godzilla vs. Kong" proved to be a massive commercial triumph, earning nearly $470 million worldwide and helping ignite the U.S. box office during a pivotal time for theaters.

"Onslaught" is scheduled to hit theaters on September 4.

Alabama Filmmakers on the Rise

Wingard is not the only Alabama-born director making waves in Hollywood. Mobile native Curry Barker recently found historic success with the horror-comedy "Obsession." Since its premiere, the film has achieved universal acclaim and has grossed nearly $150 million worldwide on a modest $1 million budget.

Additionally, Birmingham native Daniel Scheinert, one-half of the Oscar-winning duo "the Daniels," remains a top creative force following the massive impact of "Everything Everywhere All at Once." While he and partner Daniel Kwan signed a significant five-year deal with Universal, details regarding their next project remain under wraps.