The newest entry in Universal's DVD Originals
offerings, The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian,
commenced principal photography in Capetown, South
Africa on October 1, 2007. Universal Studios Home
Entertainment Family Productions is co-producing
with Film Afrika and ApolloMovie. Universal Studios
Home Entertainment is distributing the all-new epic
adventure, which expands the line's presence into
the live-action adventure arena for the first time.
The film is slated for release on DVD in 2008.
The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian is the
thrilling prequel to The Scorpion King, the action
blockbuster that starred Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
as Mathayus, the fearsome warrior king of an ancient
desert empire. The new film, a heroic tale of
loyalty and betrayal filled with heart-stopping
action and thrilling visual effects, tells the story
of how the young Mathayus rose to become the
Scorpion King.
Shot entirely in South Africa, this entertaining
blend of myth, magic and muscle is directed by
Russell Mulcahy (Resident Evil: Extinction,
Highlander) and stars Michael Copon (pictured,
"Beyond the Break," Bring It On: In It to Win It) as
the young hero Mathayus, Simon Quarterman ("Murder
Rooms: The Patient's Eyes") as the wily Ari, Karen
David (The Colour of Magic) as the beautiful Layla,
Ralf Moeller (Pathfinder) as the fierce warrior
Pollux, and current six-time Ultimate Fighting
Championship king Randy Couture (Invincible), holder
of three heavyweight and three light heavyweight
titles, as the charismatic and powerful villain
Sargon.
"'The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian' is by far
our most ambitious DVD Originals production ever in
terms of the scope and quality of the sets, visual
effects, fight sequences and stunt work," said Glenn
Ross, Executive Vice President and General Manager
of Universal Studios Home Entertainment Family
Productions. "Because of the remarkable success of
the DVD Originals product line, we are committed to
producing a diverse slate of films based on proven
franchises to help satisfy the growing demand for
high quality entertainment on DVD."
The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian is written
by Randall McCormick (Speed 2, Titan A.E.). David
Wicht, Thomas Becker and Jörg Westerkamp are
co-producers and Sean Daniels and Jim Jacks (both of
The Mummy and The Scorpion King) are the executive
producers. The film's production team includes
director of photography Glynn Speekaert, production
designer Tom Hannam, editor John Gilbert and costume
designer Diana Cilliers. The Scorpion King: Rise of
the Akkadian tells the story of the teenage warrior
Mathayus and his quest for justice and honor against
the evil and powerful King Sargon.
From Darkhorizons.com
