Dave Bautista and Samuel L. Jackson’s Upcoming Sci-Fi ‘Afterburn’ Gets a Trailer

A new action-packed sci-fi movie, Afterburn, is coming soon, set in a world wrecked by a massive solar flare. The story, inspired by a Red 5 Comics series by Scott Chitwood, Paul Ens, and Wayne Nichols, takes place a decade after the disaster that wiped out most of Earth’s technology. Directed by J. J. Perry, the film is written by Matt Johnson and Nimród Antal.

The plot centers on Jake, a former soldier turned treasure hunter, played by Dave Bautista. Jake roams the desolate landscape, tracking down valuable relics from the pre-flare era, like rare artworks. He’s joined by Valentine, a freedom fighter portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, and Drea, another fighter played by Olga Kurylenko. Kristofer Hivju rounds out the key cast.

The newly released trailer showcases intense action sequences, hinting at the chaos and danger of this broken world. It offers fans a glimpse into the high-stakes hunt for lost treasures amid a lawless setting.

Afterburn had a rocky road to production. First announced in 2012 with Tommy Wirkola as director and Gerard Butler as the lead, the project shifted over time. In 2018, Jung Byung-gil took over directing duties, with a script by Johnson and Antal, later revised by William N. Collage. By early 2024, Byung-gil stepped away, and J. J. Perry stepped in, with Bautista and Jackson signing on as the new stars.

Production kicked off on May 10, 2024, in Bratislava, Slovakia, wrapping up by June 27. José David Montero handled cinematography, while Luke Dunkley edited the film. Original Film and Endurance Media backed the project, with Dogbone Entertainment joining after G-BASE, Butler’s production company, exited when he left the film.

The movie faced challenges in post-production. In May 2025, an arbitration ruling ordered a $7.7 million payment to Fourth Chance Productions after a financier, Tristian Peter, failed to deliver a promised $7.5 million for an executive producer credit, leading to fraud allegations.

With the trailer now out, excitement is building for Afterburn and its gritty, action-filled take on a post-apocalyptic world. Fans are eager to see how Jake’s treasure-hunting journey unfolds.

Afterburn looks like a wild ride, blending high-energy action with a fresh sci-fi concept. The cast, especially Bautista and Jackson, seems perfect for bringing this chaotic world to life. I’m curious to see if the story dives deeper into the human cost of the solar flare or sticks to its treasure-hunting core. What do you think about Afterburn? Are you hyped for this post-apocalyptic adventure? Share your thoughts in the comments below!