Omari Hardwick steps onto the set of Empire City alongside Gerard Butler and Hayley Atwell. The actor brings his strong screen presence to the new action thriller. He plays Hawkins, the main antagonist who drives the hostage crisis plot.
What Is Empire City About?
Empire City follows a tense hostage situation inside New York’s Clybourn Building. Butler stars as Rhett, a brave firefighter who leads his squad and his NYPD wife Dani, played by Atwell, through the burning building. Their goal is to rescue the captives trapped on the upper floors. Hardwick’s character adds a dangerous edge to the story.
Supporting Cast and Crew
Mel Jarnson joins the film as Leda, Hawkins’ right hand operative. The squad includes Tre Hale, Michael Beach, Dominic Bogart, Stephen Murphy and Jack DiFalco. Director Michael Matthews, known for Love and Monsters, guides the production. Producers Marc Butan, Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel and Paul Currie support the project. Writers Brian Tucker and S. Craig Zahler craft the screenplay.
Filming in Australia
The production team shoots the movie in Melbourne, Australia. Filming is now around the halfway point. The Australian locations stand in for New York city streets and interiors. The crew benefits from local incentives and a skilled crew.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
Hardwick is best known for his role as James “Ghost” St. Patrick in the hit series Power. He also appeared in Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead. Fans will enjoy seeing him tackle a villain role for the first time in a big screen thriller. Butler brings his action star reputation, while Atwell adds dramatic depth.
Hardwick also has upcoming projects. He will star in the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Section 31 and the Prime Video limited series The Greatest about Muhammad Ali. He is set to appear in the MGM+ prequel series Start Of Watch. Last year he earned a Grammy nomination for spoken word poetry.
Production Details
The film’s producers include industry veterans who have worked on titles such as Plane, Den of Thieves, Paris Has Fallen and Hacksaw Ridge. The writers bring experience from television and film, ensuring a tight script. The crew uses practical effects and realistic stunts to heighten tension.
When to Expect Empire City
While the exact release date has not been announced, the film is slated for a 2026 theatrical launch. Audiences can look forward to a fast paced thriller with strong performances and high stakes.
Stay tuned for more updates as filming wraps and the marketing campaign begins.
Source: Deadline
