Sylvester Stallone's latest movie Samaritan is set to launch the certified action film legend into a superhero role. Having established a renowned reputation for himself, Stallone has starred in significantly large franchises such as Rambo, Rocky, and, more recently, The Expendables. He has also starred in many noteworthy stand-alone films like Demolition Man and Cobra.

Most recently, having taken up roles in the Creed films and the comic book hits Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and The Suicide Squad, Stallone has never strayed too far from the industry. His active presence has made him an actor known by many generations.

Stallone's track record in action films has positioned him as an actor who is more than capable of taking on a superhero role. So it remains somewhat of a mystery that it has taken so long for the cape to be passed on to the actor now. Of course, it wasn't until the late 2000s that superhero movies became the box office juggernaut they are today. However, adopting the better late than never attitude, Stallone fans are justifiably excited to see one of their favorite actors now finally don the superhero cape.

Here is everything we know about Samaritan, Sylvester Stallone’s new movie, Samaritan.

Updated July 2022 by Jessica Peerez: If you're excited about Samaritan, you'll be happy to know we've updated this article with additional info surrounding the highly anticipated film.

Samaritan: The Plot

Samaritan
Prime Video

The film is based on the Mythos comic book series of the same name and will follow the same storyline. Within the movie's universe, we see a city 20 years after the supposed "fall" of its greatest protector, The Samaritan. It's a grim look at what happens when the superhero vanishes. Crime has reclaimed Granite City, and its inhabitants live in fear.

As a new threat begins to emerge, a young boy named Sam Cleary starts to search for the superhero who was previously believed to be dead after a battle with his rival, Nemesis. In his quest, Sam begins to suspect that his introverted neighbor, who goes by the name Mr. Smith, isn't all that he appears to be. While almost everyone believes this man to be an average sanitation worker, Sam sees hope in his dark world, and the wide-eyed boy isn't willing to give up on him. Sam tries to rally the once cherished hero back onto the battlefield, but he may find out, to his disappointment, that The Samaritan's crime-fighting days may be done for good.

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While there has yet to be a trailer released, partial footage of the film was released at CinemaCon in August 2021. The action and carnage were compared to that of a John Wick film. As per a Screen Rant description of what was depicted, Stallone is first shown going about his job as a sanitation worker. The plight of the city is then shown, making it clear that the city has worsened over the years that the superhero has been inactive. A voice-over says that Samaritan "died thirty years ago."

The footage then portrays an argument between Sam and Stallone's Samaritan over the superhero coming out of retirement. Samaritan's superhuman strength is also clearly depicted with scenes of Stallone's body contorting and rebuilding itself after being hit by a car and several other action shots. The teaser ends with Stallone facing off in a warehouse, breaking out of a crushed car, and fighting multiple enemies by himself while taking on gunfire without the protection of armor.

The teaser is undoubtedly a good indication of what's to come. The film itself has been described as "bone-crunching." However, this particular superhero film may differ from the usual films and other Sylvester Stallone movies fans are accustomed to seeing. The set photos posted by Stallone on his Instagram make it clear that he is no longer in the young killing machine shape he used to be. This may place Samaritan in quite a unique position, giving it a different perspective which may be refreshing to viewers.

Samaritan: The Cast & Crew

Samaritan
Prime Video

Sylvester Stallone will take on the titular role of Joe Smith, while young boxing prodigy Javon "Wanna" Walton will star as Stanley's prospective ward Sam Cleary. Walton has previously had roles in the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy and Euphoria. Praising Stallone's performance and talent, the director of Samaritan told Total Film:

"We're going to see Sly do things he hasn't done in a long time, and in a really inventive way. He's 73 years old! I'm amazed by how much he actually does. I'm telling you, most guys in their twenties wouldn't be able to do what Sly does in this movie."

Other notable names in the cast include Martin Starr (Freaks & Geeks, Spider-Man: Homecoming) as Arthur, Moisés Arias (Hannah Montana) as Percy Smith, Dascha Polanco (Orange Is the New Black) as Isabelle, and Pilou Asbæk (Game of Thrones) as Edwin. NFL star Jared Odrick is also set to have a role in the movie.

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Samaritan will be directed by Australian screenwriter and film director Julius Avery. The director is noted for films such as Overlord, a film about Nazi experiments, and Son of a Gun, centered on two criminals planning a gold heist and then turning on each other. Both films included gritty and hard-hitting action, so Samaritan is right in Avery's wheelhouse.

Stallone also has his hand in the pot in a role outside of being the leading actor. Samaritan is being produced through Stallone's production company, Balboa Films, which launched back in 2018. The film will be the company's second major production, with the company having worked on Rambo: Lost Blood in 2019.

Release Date

Samaritan
Prime Video
 

Although Samaritan wrapped filming back in 2020, the film's release has been repeatedly delayed, partly owing to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, an official release date has finally been set for the movie. It will premiere on Amazon Prime on August 26, 2022. The film has been rated PG-13 for containing violence and strong language.