Mortal Kombat Star Replaces Liam Neeson in R-Rated The Furious Trailer

Lionsgate has released the trailer for Kenji Tanigaki’s R-rated action film The Furious. The clip follows tradesman Wang Wei as his daughter is kidnapped. Wei joins forces with journalist Navin to hunt a criminal network. Critics hailed the film after its festival premiere and it earned a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Trailer highlights and plot

The trailer opens on a tender father-daughter moment. The mood shifts when kidnappers snatch the girl. Wei chases them, but loses the trail.

Navin later approaches Wei, saying he is searching too. The two descend into a violent underworld. The trailer shows brutal fights and ruthless weapon use.

Violence and tone

Fights include hammers, mallets, knives, guns, bows, and arrows. The violence is explicit and unflinching. The film is rated R for strong bloody violence and language.

Cast and creative team

The Furious stars Mo Tse, Joe Taslim, Jeeja Yanin, Brian Le, Joey Iwanaga, Yayan Ruhian, and Yang Enyu. The screenplay credits go to Mak Tin-shu, Lei Zhilong, Shum Kwan-sin, and Frank Hui.

Producers include Bill Kong, Frank Hui, and Shan Tam. Director Kenji Tanigaki received praise for the film’s choreography.

Star profile

Joe Taslim appears in a central role. The Mortal Kombat star is known for Fast & Furious 6, Star Trek Beyond, and Warrior. Taslim’s role evokes the same rescue-driven urgency as Liam Neeson’s signature films, and some observers say the casting effectively replaces Liam Neeson in tone.

Festivals, reception, and release

The Furious premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2025. At TIFF, it finished as second runner-up for the People’s Choice Award: Midnight Madness.

It trailed Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie and Obsession in that category. One month later, the film earned a nomination for Best Feature Film at Sitges.

Sitges awarded Best Feature Film to The Ugly Stepsister. Critics praised The Furious as a thrill ride with standout combat scenes. Several reviews compared it favorably to The Raid.

The theatrical release is scheduled for Friday, May 29, 2026. Filmogaz.com has the trailer and early coverage.

Why it matters

The Furious blends intense martial arts with a kidnapping revenge plot. Its festival success and critical acclaim create high expectations. The R-rated trailer emphasizes the film’s uncompromising approach to action.