According to Deadline, Prime Video has acquired the rights to release Night Riders, the next film from actor and filmmaker Justin Chon. Stacey Snider, CEO and co-founder of Chon and Sister, is producing the film. Snider was instrumental in the production greenlighting of Oscar-winning films such as Bohemian Rhapsody and The Greatest Showman. Written and directed by Chon, the film is based on a concept of his own and is described as a “gritty criminal thriller” set in a futuristic Hawaii. While casting for Night Riders has not yet begun (the film is still in pre-production), the synopsis highlights a fraternal relationship between two pals.
Their unbreakable friendship is put to the test when one of them is prepared to compromise values that the other holds dear in order to achieve power. Chon’s previous film, Blue Bayou, received widespread acclaim, and this will be his sixth feature picture overall. The film Blue Bayou, in which Chon stars with Alicia Vikander, made its world debut at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival. The emerging artist with three distinct talents debuted his second full-length dramatic feature, Gook, at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Best of Next Audience Award.
As Chon’s first attempt at a thriller, Night Riders deviates from his usual focus on sharp, intimate dramas centring on the lives of Korean Americans. Chon is currently doing post-production on his independent film Jamojaya with Red Hot Chili Peppers member Anthony Kiedis and directing and executive producing the pilot episode for the upcoming Apple TV+ series Chief of War, starring Jason Momoa (Aquaman). The plot of Jamojaya centres on a teenage rapper who, after seeing his father dominate the industry for years, wants to bring in a management and record company from the United States to help him reach the next level of success.
Furthermore, Chon has directed four episodes of the Apple TV+ series Pachinko. Although Chon is most known for his work as a director, he really began his start in the industry as an actor. Chon has worked in virtually every facet of the entertainment industry, from voice acting for the animated series The Casagrandes to guest starring on The O.C. to as Eric in the Twilight trilogy. The director tells Character Media, “Stepping behind the camera, I have control over the narrative that gets thrown out into the world,” despite the fact that his performances in films like Blue Bayou and Gook are captivating. Even yet, if Chon keeps up his recent form as a writer, director, and actor, he may take on dual roles in Night Riders.
There is no confirmed date for the film’s release at this time.