Jovovich Takes on a High-Stakes Role in a ‘Taken’-Esque Thriller, Poised to Revitalize Her Career
Milla Jovovich is set to return to the big screen in a gripping action-thriller titled Protector, a film that could mark a significant turning point in her career. Best known for her iconic role as Alice in the Resident Evil franchise, which spanned six movies, Jovovich has built a reputation as a formidable action star. With roles in films such as The Fifth Element and The Fourth Kind, as well as her recent performance in the sci-fi thriller Breather, the actress has demonstrated her versatility across multiple genres. However, Protector promises to bring her back into the spotlight in a role that could ignite her career once again.
The Plot of Protector: A Thrilling, High-Stakes Rescue Mission
Protector is being described as a “Taken-esque” thriller, evoking the high-octane action and emotional intensity of the Taken series, though with a fresh twist. Directed by Adrian Grünberg, who has worked on Rambo: Last Blood, the film follows Jovovich in the role of Nikki, a former war hero who is thrust back into a violent and dangerous world she thought she had left behind. After waking up in an abandoned factory, Nikki discovers that her daughter, Chloe, has been kidnapped. Forced to navigate the city’s brutal criminal underworld, Nikki finds herself pursued by both the military and law enforcement as she fights to rescue her daughter. The movie promises to deliver fast-paced action, high stakes, and a gritty look at a mother’s determination to save her child, no matter the cost.
The script for Protector was written by Bong-Seeb Mun, with production slated to begin in New Mexico this winter. The storyline itself has drawn comparisons to Taken, in which Liam Neeson’s character embarks on a similar mission to rescue his daughter from a ruthless criminal organization. However, Protector stands out for featuring a female lead in a traditionally male-dominated genre, offering the potential for a fresh take on the action-thriller format.
A Comeback for Milla Jovovich
Although Jovovich has maintained a steady presence in Hollywood, her career has not been as high-profile in recent years. After her work in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016) and Monster Hunter (2020), there was a noticeable gap between her major projects, with a four-year hiatus before her latest thriller Breather. The release of Protector marks a return to leading roles and could provide the perfect opportunity for Jovovich to reassert herself in the action genre.
This movie is a significant step forward for the actress, who has long been known for her ability to carry action films with intense physicality and emotional depth. Protector will give her the chance to showcase these talents once again, with a role that promises both physical and emotional challenges. Nikki’s journey will require both grit and vulnerability as she battles to save her daughter and confronts the dark elements of her past.
Jovovich is also staying busy with other projects. She is set to star alongside Dave Bautista in In the Lost Lands, an action-adventure film directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the same director behind the Resident Evil films. Additionally, she has several other action movies in the works, including Midnight, World-Breaker, and Twilight of the Dead, all of which suggest a promising return to her action-star roots. With these upcoming roles, Jovovich seems poised for a career resurgence, and Protector could be the film that marks the beginning of her next chapter.
Protector and Its Connection to Taken
The plot of Protector has naturally drawn comparisons to the 2008 film Taken, which starred Liam Neeson as a former CIA operative whose daughter is kidnapped by human traffickers. In both films, the protagonist must navigate a dangerous world filled with criminals and law enforcement, all while desperately trying to rescue their loved one. However, Protector takes the familiar formula of Taken and reinterprets it through a female lens, a shift that could bring new dynamics to the genre.
While remaking popular action films with female protagonists is not a new concept, it has often been met with mixed results. Hollywood’s attempts to recast traditional action roles with women have sometimes been seen as forced or lacking the same intensity as their male-led counterparts. However, Protector has the advantage of not being a direct remake of Taken but rather a fresh spin on the genre. By focusing on a female hero with a complex past, Protector offers the potential for an action film that is both empowering and emotionally resonant.
With Protector, director Adrian Grünberg and screenwriter Bong-Seeb Mun have the opportunity to create a compelling, female-led action-thriller that stands out from the crowd. If successful, Protector could help redefine the action genre and further solidify Milla Jovovich’s status as one of Hollywood’s top action stars.
What Protector Means for Milla Jovovich’s Future
The release of Protector marks a critical moment in Milla Jovovich’s career. After spending much of the past decade entrenched in the Resident Evil universe, Protector represents a chance for the actress to break free from her past roles and explore new territory. The film’s compelling premise and thrilling plot could allow her to tap into a broader range of emotions and experiences, offering audiences a fresh look at her acting chops.
With Protector already generating excitement, along with her upcoming projects like In the Lost Lands, Jovovich appears to be on the cusp of a major career comeback. The action-thriller genre has always been a strong suit for the actress, and with this new project, she is poised to reclaim her place at the top of the action movie world. Fans and newcomers alike will undoubtedly be eager to see what she brings to the screen next.
In conclusion, Protector offers a promising opportunity for Milla Jovovich to shine in a leading role that demands both physicality and emotional depth. As the film begins production, it is clear that the actress is not only ready to take on the world of action-thrillers once more, but also to redefine her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most formidable action stars.