By: Tom White
Los Angeles, CA – January 6, 2025 – Director Immanuel Portus, known for his captivating work with global brands like Red Bull, Warner Records, UKG, and Once Upon a Farm, has been tapped to direct the upcoming Hollywood action film Vengeance. The film, to be produced by Jeff Francisco at Mastermind Pictures, is based on the award-winning script The Afterlife Can Wait by celebrated screenwriters Westley and Kristi Cornwell, known for their emotionally rich and visually dynamic storytelling.
A High-Octane Sci-Fi Adventure
Vengeance is a bold blend of action, crime, and science fiction against the high-stakes backdrop of Las Vegas street racing. The film follows Sam, a skilled driver brought back to life with a supernatural connection to her late husband, Logan, whose consciousness inhabits her black Ford Mustang. Together, they embark on a mission to dismantle the mob that destroyed their family, blending emotional depth with adrenaline-fueled action.
“Directing Vengeance is an incredible opportunity to combine dynamic visuals with a deeply personal narrative,” said Portus. “The Cornwells’ script is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and revenge, and I’m thrilled to bring their vision to life.”
A Stellar Creative Team
The screenplay, co-written by Westley Cornwell (The Roomies, Jessica Forever) and Kristi Cornwell (HBO MAX), is a masterful combination of high-octane action and emotionally gripping storytelling. Together, they’ve crafted a narrative that has drawn comparisons to The Crow and The Fast and the Furious.
“Immanuel’s ability to balance thrilling visuals with emotional storytelling makes him the ideal director for Vengeance,” said producer Jeff Francisco, Founder of Mastermind Pictures. “His work consistently resonates with audiences, and we’re excited to see his vision for this project.”
An All-Star Cast in the Works
The film is already generating buzz with its ongoing shortlist of potential high-profile talent, including Emily Wickersham (NCIS) as Sam, James Badge Dale (Iron Man 3) as Logan, Vincent Gallo as Alphonso, RJ Cyler (Power Rangers) as Marcus, and Sylvester Stallone (Rocky, The Expendables) as Angelo.
Building on a Stellar Career
Portus has developed a diverse portfolio, including branded content, music videos, and narrative storytelling. Projects such as the docuseries Behind the Mind and the short film Not Anymore reflect his versatility and creative approach to filmmaking. His collaborations with well-known brands like Red Bull and Formula 1 highlight his ability to bring dynamic stories to life on a global stage. As Creative Director for Sleepspa by Hästens, Portus is exploring new avenues of storytelling, further broadening his impact across different mediums and industries.
Photo Courtesy: Westley Cornwell
A Film Positioned for Global Success
Vengeance is being developed with an eye toward global distribution, with discussions reportedly involving major industry players such as HBO Max and Warner Brothers. The film combines high-stakes action, intriguing sci-fi elements, and a compelling emotional core, aiming to appeal to a broad international audience. Its unique approach to storytelling and genre-blending offers the potential to engage viewers and generate excitement among potential investors.
Published by Anne C.
