Orlando Bloom is set to star alongside Ethan Hawke in the highly anticipated Amazon jungle thriller, The Last of the Tribe. The film, based on Monte Reel’s award-winning investigative work, follows a dark and gripping story set deep within the Brazilian rainforest.
The Central Plot and Characters of The Last of the Tribe
Ethan Hawke plays William Phelan, a former Chicago police officer turned corporate mercenary, tasked with investigating an enigmatic death in the Amazon. During his mission, Phelan encounters the last surviving member of an indigenous tribe, a discovery that challenges his beliefs and forces him to reconsider his choices amid mounting threats from governmental and corporate forces. While Orlando Bloom’s exact role remains undisclosed, he joins a cast that also includes Brazilian actress and environmental activist Zaya Guarani, known for her work in Darren Aronofsky’s documentary Postcards From Earth.
Filmmaking Team Behind the Scene
The Last of the Tribe is directed by Claudio Borrelli, marking his sophomore feature after the 2020 drama Vultures. The script is penned by three-time Emmy nominee Mark Bailey, whose documentary background includes Downfall: The Case Against Boeing. Producer Edward Saxon, acclaimed for The Silence of the Lambs, supports the project alongside producers Steve Schwartz, Paula Mae Schwartz, and both Ethan and Ryan Hawke. Borrelli emphasized the thematic essence of the film, stating,
“I’m drawn to films that slam the raw, the rugged and the cruel head-on into the beautiful and the divine,”
and he described the rainforest as
“both the villain and the savior — that natural and forever conflict is the essence of what I want to capture in The Last of the Tribe.”
Orlando Bloom’s Recent Career Highlights
Orlando Bloom, recognized widely for his roles as Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean and Legolas in The Lord of the Rings, has recently expanded his portfolio with a variety of projects. In 2023, he showcased his comedic and action skills in the Prime Video film Deep Cover, alongside Bryce Dallas Howard and Nick Mohammed. Bloom further demonstrated versatility through his parts in Red Right Hand and the thriller The Cut, portraying a determined, retired boxer. Ethan Hawke’s recent acclaim includes another Oscar nomination for his performance in Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, bringing notable star power to this thriller.
Industry Response and Anticipation for the Film
Dave Bishop, CEO of Protagonist Pictures, expressed enthusiasm for the film’s compelling narrative, calling it an
“intense, propulsive thriller with real moral weight at its core.”
He highlighted the blend of gripping genre storytelling with pressing environmental themes rooted in the Brazilian Amazon, praising the visionary approach by director Claudio Borrelli and the performances of Ethan Hawke, Orlando Bloom, and Zaya Guarani:
“Set deep in the Brazilian Amazon, the project pairs elevated genre storytelling with urgent contemporary themes. Claudio has crafted a bold vision, and with Ethan Hawke, Orlando Bloom, and Zaya Guarani leading the cast, we’re excited to introduce this standout project to buyers at EFM.”
The producers echoed this sentiment with a joint statement celebrating the cast’s dedication:
“The Last of the Tribe is a tense, gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller, a real old-school heart-pounding ride. And yet, it is also about something that could not be more timely – the destruction of the rainforest and the people who call it home. Our fantastic cast, spearheaded by the extraordinary Ethan Hawke, and now joined by Bloom, are all so smart, and passionate, and talented and committed to the telling of this story. We are thrilled.”
Next Steps and Film Release Status
The Last of the Tribe is currently in the pre-sales stage and actively seeking distribution. While a release date has not been announced, the project is generating strong interest due to its timely subject matter and accomplished creative team. The collaboration of Ethan Hawke and Orlando Bloom brings considerable attention to this environmentally charged thriller, promising a powerful cinematic experience once it reaches audiences.
