Action movie icon Sylvester Stallone's original superhero film Samaritan unveiled its first poster and production stills ahead of its summer release on Prime Video.
Shared by Prime Video, the film's poster shows Stallone's mysterious character, Mr. Smith, walking down a rainy alley. The large puddle at his feet has a reflection of what appears to be the character's superhero alter-ego in a full black costume with a symbolic 'S' icon on his chest. The production stills include Stallone's Mr. Smith in action as he uses his superhuman strength save a bullied kid, while another shows Mr. Smith in a conversation with Sam Cleary (Javon "Wanna" Walton). The final still shows Mr. Smith in an industrial location where he's confronted by an apparent bad guy holding a sledgehammer to his face.
Announced in 2019, Samaritan marks the Rocky legend's latest venture into the superhero genre. Stallone previously headlined the critically-panned Judge Dredd film adaptation in 1995 and, in 2017, he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ravager Clan leader Stakar Ogord/Starhawk in Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2. The actor later joined the DC Extended Universe as the voice of King Shark in James Gunn's The Suicide Squad in 2021. For Stallone, his attraction to Samaritan was driven by its relatable story.
"I love action films that also have heart," said Stallone. "I wanted to be involved with Samaritan because this story has many layers that I think people can relate to. It's something of a morality tale that is also very exciting to watch. We are thrilled that this will be seen globally on Prime Video where my fans and all audiences can enjoy it together around the world." Along with Stallone and Walton, Samaritan also stars Pilou Asbæk, Dascha Polanco and Moises Arias.
Set in the fictional location of Granite City, Stallone's Mr. Smith is the loner neighbor to thirteen-year-old Sam Cleary who suspects that he is the legendary vigilante known as the Samaritan. 20 years earlier, the vigilante was believed to have been killed in a fire after a deadly battle with the villain Nemesis. As Granite City becomes increasingly riddled with crime and corruption, it's up to Sam to convince Mr. Smith to come out of hiding once again and save the city.
Stallone, 76, shows no signs of slowing down, as the actor is currently filming his first series role as mob boss Dwight "The General" Manfredi in Tulsa King for Paramount+. Additionally, Stallone will make his final appearance as Barney Ross in The Expendables 4 and seemingly confirmed that he will reprise his role as Starhawk in Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3.
Directed by Julius Avery with a screenplay by Bragi F. Schut, Samaritan will launch globally on Prime Video on Aug. 26.
Source: Prime Video