Omari Hardwick has taken on a pivotal role in the new action thriller Empire City, joining Gerard Butler and Hayley Atwell on set. Hardwick portrays Hawkins, the central antagonist who ignites a high-stakes hostage situation, adding complexity and danger to the storyline.
Plot Overview of Empire City
Empire City centers on a gripping hostage crisis inside New York’s Clybourn Building. Gerard Butler plays Rhett, a courageous firefighter leading his team through the blaze to save hostages trapped on the upper floors. Hayley Atwell stars as Dani, Rhett’s wife and an NYPD officer, who works alongside him to resolve the deadly standoff. Hardwick’s villainous Hawkins is the force pushing the tension to its limits.
Key Cast Members and Production Team
The film’s supporting cast includes Mel Jarnson as Leda, Hawkins’ loyal right-hand operative. Other squad members feature Tre Hale, Michael Beach, Dominic Bogart, Stephen Murphy, and Jack DiFalco. Michael Matthews, known for directing Love and Monsters, leads the production. The project is produced by Marc Butan, Gerard Butler, Alan Siegel, and Paul Currie, while the screenplay is crafted by Brian Tucker and S. Craig Zahler.
Filming Location and Progress
Filming is currently underway in Melbourne, Australia, with crews about halfway through production. These Australian sites double for New York City streets and interior settings, benefiting from local filmmaking incentives and experienced crews. The choice of location adds a distinct atmosphere that complements the film’s intense narrative.
Why This Film Draws Attention
Fans are eager to see Hardwick, best recognized for his role as James “Ghost” St. Patrick in Power and his appearance in Zack Snyder’s Army of the Dead, take on a villainous part in a major movie for the first time. Gerard Butler contributes his well-established reputation as an action star, while Hayley Atwell brings emotional depth to the story.
Hardwick’s upcoming roles include the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Section 31, the Prime Video limited series The Greatest about Muhammad Ali, and the MGM+ prequel series Start Of Watch. Last year, he was also nominated for a Grammy Award for spoken word poetry.
Behind the Scenes and Production Craft
The film’s producers bring extensive experience from notable projects such as Plane, Den of Thieves, Paris Has Fallen, and Hacksaw Ridge. The writers’ background in television and film is expected to deliver a tight, suspenseful script. Practical effects and authentic stunts are being used to intensify the movie’s tension and realism.
Anticipated Release and Future Updates
Empire City is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2026, though an exact date has yet to be confirmed. Viewers can anticipate a fast-paced thriller featuring strong performances, high stakes, and gripping drama. Further news will be shared as filming concludes and promotional efforts begin.
