Bloodshot movie actor Sam Heughan, who will appear alongside Vin Diesel, confirms the Valiant comic adaptation starts filming in South Africa soon. Comic book movies have gained massive popularity in Hollywood over the last decade - thanks, in part, to the success of Marvel Studios' Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, not all comic book superhero film franchises follow the MCU formula. A variety of studios have tried their hands at other methods of adapting the sprawling worlds of these heroes. Because of the popularity of comic book movies, though, it also means even the less well-known characters and properties are getting their own adaptations.
Though not one of the big two, Valiant Comics has its own catalogue of beloved characters, and in 2015 the publisher struck a deal with Sony Pictures to adapt the Bloodshot and Harbinger comics. For its part, Bloodshot started gaining serious momentum in 2017 when director Dave Wilson signed on to helm the film written by Jeff Wadlow and Eric Heisserer. Vin Diesel is set to star as Bloodshot, the former soldier turned superhero with powers of regeneration and shapeshifting. It was previously reported Bloodshot would start filming this summer and one of the film's stars has confirmed as much.
Related: What Vin Diesel Could Look Like As Bloodshot
Sam Heughan joined the cast of Bloodshot earlier this year and while speaking to Screen Rant about his latest project, Lionsgate's spy comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me, the actor teased what he could about the upcoming adaptation. In addition to confirming the Bloodshot filming start and location, he also praised the cast, director and project:
I can tell you that it’s based on the Valiant Comics, which are the Bloodshot series. It’s within that world, my character - I can’t give away too much, but I’m really excited. We’re off to South Africa to start shooting next month. It’s got a great cast and the director, Dave Wilson, is superb.
In addition to Diesel and Heughan, Bloodshot stars Eiza Gonzalez (Baby Driver), Michael Sheen (Masters of Sex), Toby Kebbell (Fantastic Four) and Johannes Haukur Johannesson (Game of Thrones). Though many of their characters are officially under wraps - aside from Diesel as Bloodshot - reports indicate both Kebbell and Johannesson will portray villains in the film, while Heughan and Sheen will play Corporal Harlan and Dr. Emil Harting, respectively.
Sony recently slated Bloodshot for a release date in February 2020, which gives the studio plenty of time for principal photography, post-production and whatever reshoots may be necessary (remember: most big budget films plan on going back for reshoots). Since it was stuck in development for many years, beginning production indicates the studio is confident with where the project is headed. Fans who are looking forward to Sony's Valiant movies will likely be pleased to see Bloodshot finally moving ahead. Plus, based on Heughan's praise, fans will have plenty more to be excited about once there's something for them to see - like a trailer, or the movie itself when it debuts in 2020.
Next: Superhero Movies You Didn't Know Were Confirmed For 2020
Look for our full interview with Sam Heughan about The Spy Who Dumped Me later this week.
