If you’re an Indonesian actor that wants to find success in the international film scene, star in one of “The Raid” movies.
That’s the lesson we’ve seen demonstrated again and again recently, as cast members of director Gareth Evan’s critically acclaimed Indonesian action movies, “The Raid: Redemption” and “The Raid 2” continue to land roles in major international releases.
The latest Raid alum to earn a spot in an inevitable blockbuster is former Southeast Asian judo champion Joe Taslim, who played Sergeant Jaka in “The Raid: Redemption.” His steely performance and brutal fight scenes in that movie got him a role in 2013’s “Fast and Furious 6” and now he’s landed a role in an even more legendary film franchise.
The Hollywood Reporter announced over the weekend that Taslim had been cast in “Star Trek Beyond” the third movie in the sci-fi franchise’s reboot following “Star Trek: Into Darkness.”
“Star Trek Beyond” is being directed by Justin Lim, who already worked with Taslim when he helmed “Fast and Furious 6.”
There’s no word yet on who Taslim will be playing, but it is likely he will be playing one of the bad guys alongside English actor Idris Elba, who is said to have been cast as the new film’s villain. (Personally, we think he’s got the perfect eyebrows to play a Vulcan).
There are several more major international films starring Raid alums coming up in the near future. Veteran Indonesian actor Ray Sahetapy will be starring in “Captain America 3: Civil War” while the hero of the Raid, Iko Uwais, will be starring alongside his former on-screen antagonist Yayan “Mad Dog” Ruhian in sci-fi action flick “Beyond Skyline” and, of course, “Star Wars: Episode VII” coming out this December. Iko will also be starring alongside Mark Wahlberg in the upcoming “Mile 22”.
Check out Taslim’s crazy fight with Yayan in “The Raid: Redemption.” We kinda can’t wait to see him kick the crap outta Captain Kirk.
