Warner Bros. has recently released the trailer for “Gunner,” an upcoming action movie shot in the Birmingham area in spring 2023. The trailer showcases actors Morgan Freeman and Luke Hemsworth, along with thrilling scenes of fist fights, gun battles, explosions, and a prison escape. Movie enthusiasts can now catch a glimpse of what to expect from this action-packed film. Watch the trailer in the video above.
In the trailer, audiences from Alabama will instantly spot a prominent Birmingham attraction. Sloss Furnaces is showcased at the 1:11 mark in the video and is repeatedly featured in the remaining portion of the clip as well. This historic ironworks stands out as a recognizable landmark in the city.
In “Gunner,” Freeman takes on the role of Kendrick Ryker, a drug lord with a relaxed attitude. The movie is directed by Dimitri Logothetis and written by Logothetis and Gary Scott Thompson, known for their work on “The Fast and the Furious.” Hemsworth stars as Lee Gunner, a proficient military veteran who clashes with Ryker’s drug cartel when his two sons are abducted during a fishing trip.
Joseph Baena, who happens to be Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son, and Grant Feely from Alabama, known for his role in Disney’s “Obi-Wan Kenobi” series, are also part of the cast.
During the production of “Gunner” in spring 2023, multiple spots in the Birmingham metro area were utilized, such as Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park in McCalla and Watermark Place in Bessemer, a former outlet center. According to Logothetis, Watermark Place was employed as a soundstage and headquarters for the film, where Freeman filmed the majority of his scenes. In a 2023 interview with AL.com, Logothetis explained these details.
According to the director, Logothetis, Morgan Freeman’s portrayal in the film is expected to be a standout performance. Logothetis prefers his villainous characters to have a certain level of likability, and Freeman’s natural warmth makes him the perfect fit for the role.
The director of ‘Gunner’, a movie featuring Morgan Freeman, recently spoke about the experience of filming in Birmingham and how incredible it was.
In the trailer for “Gunner,” Freeman, who plays the role of a drug lord at the age of 87, portrays a surprisingly calm and composed antagonist. Despite being confronted by the fierce hero, Freeman’s character remains unfazed. The plot thickens when Gunner’s children are held captive by the drug lord’s son, and Gunner is determined to ensure their safety and well-being.
Hemsworth’s character makes a chilling threat in the movie, stating, “If he harms my sons, I will not only kill him but also everyone he is associated with.”
Freeman, playing the character Ryker, humorously remarks, “That’s quite a killing spree for a single man.” However, despite the kingpin’s dismissive attitude towards Gunner, the trailer showcases that he is a formidable opponent.
