Daisy Ridley to Lead Action-Thriller ‘The Good Samaritan’ From ‘Taken’ Director and ‘Rambo: Last Blood’ Writer

Daisy Ridley, known globally for her role as Rey in the latest Star Wars trilogy, is set to helm the upcoming action-thriller “The Good Samaritan.” This high-stakes project brings together a formidable creative team, with Pierre Morel, acclaimed director of “Taken,” at the helm, and Matthew Ian Cirulnick, the screenwriter behind “Rambo: Last Blood,” penning the script. The film promises a gripping narrative of survival and deceit, marking an exciting new venture for Ridley into the action genre.

Plotting a Deadly Course: The Premise of ‘The Good Samaritan’

“The Good Samaritan” casts Daisy Ridley as Dr. Rosalind Carver, a successful entrepreneur whose life takes a perilous turn. Alongside her husband, Mark, Rosalind believes she is performing an act of kindness by rescuing a wounded man adrift off the coast of Indonesia. However, this seemingly selfless act quickly unravels into a dangerous conspiracy. Within hours, their yacht vanishes, Mark is abducted, and their idyllic paradise transforms into a deadly trap. Hunted by pirates and imprisoned by corrupt officials, Rosalind’s only hope for survival and to uncover the truth lies with Sean Fuller, a mysterious private military contractor whose past and motives are shrouded in ambiguity. Together, they must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with deception and violence, where trust is a luxury no one can afford.

Behind the Camera: Director Pierre Morel and Writer Matthew Ian Cirulnick

The convergence of Pierre Morel’s directorial prowess and Matthew Ian Cirulnick’s storytelling creates a strong foundation for “The Good Samaritan.” Morel is widely recognized for his work on action films that blend intense sequences with compelling narratives, most notably with the 2008 hit “Taken,” which redefined the modern action-thriller genre. His experience in crafting suspenseful and fast-paced thrillers suggests a film that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Matthew Ian Cirulnick, the writer for “Rambo: Last Blood,” brings a background in crafting gritty, action-oriented narratives focused on survival and resilience. His original screenplay for “The Good Samaritan” is described by Morel as featuring “raw realism of the characters and their intense predicament, elevated by the Hitchcockian, noirish collision of two damaged souls from opposite worlds.”

Production Outlook and Industry Enthusiasm

Production for “The Good Samaritan” is slated to commence in spring 2026, with filming expected to take place in Brisbane, Australia, specifically on the Gold Coast. This picturesque yet versatile location is poised to provide a dynamic backdrop for the film’s unfolding drama and action sequences.

The project has generated significant buzz within the industry. Mark Canton, a producer on the film known for his work on “300” and “Den of Thieves,” expressed his delight in collaborating with Pierre Morel and Daisy Ridley, referring to the script as “smart and riveting.” Arianne Fraser, CEO of Highland Film Group, which is handling international sales, praised Morel’s caliber as an action director and noted the excitement around working with Ridley, particularly as her character is pushed “past every limit.”

Morel himself articulated his enthusiasm for Ridley’s casting, stating, “Daisy exudes such palpable intelligence, and poise under pressure; watching her navigate a foreign world where every element, nature, people and even fate seems stacked against her will be thrilling.”

Conclusion

With Daisy Ridley leading an action-thriller like “The Good Samaritan,” under the direction of Pierre Morel and with a script from Matthew Ian Cirulnick, the stage is set for a compelling cinematic experience. The combination of established talent, a suspenseful premise, and the promise of intense action sequences positions this film as a notable entry in the upcoming slate of thrillers. As production draws closer, anticipation will undoubtedly build for what promises to be a gripping tale of survival, conspiracy, and unlikely alliances.