Jamie Foxx's new action thriller 'Deadlocked' has recruited 'John Wick: Chapter 4' star Marko Zaror to its Prime Video cast, giving the courthouse-set drama a direct link to one of Hollywood's biggest modern action franchises.
Zaror, the Chilean actor and martial artist who played Chidi opposite Keanu Reeves in 'John Wick: Chapter 4', has joined Foxx and a growing ensemble for the Amazon MGM Studios project. Tyrik Johnson has also been added to the cast, which already includes Sasha Calle, KiKi Layne and Luke Hemsworth.
The casting adds extra action pedigree to 'Deadlocked', although Zaror's character and precise role in the courthouse crisis remain under wraps.
Jamie Foxx's Jury Duty Turns Into a Nightmare
'Deadlocked' centres on a grieving former Marine whose attempt to fulfil an ordinary civic responsibility quickly becomes a fight for survival.
Foxx's character arrives at a courthouse to serve as a juror in what is described as the trial of the century. Instead of spending the day listening to lawyers and evidence, however, he finds himself trapped inside when the defendant's daughter takes the courthouse hostage.
Her objective is to free her father, turning the high-profile trial into a dangerous siege and putting everyone inside the building at risk.
The crisis forces Foxx's former Marine to draw on his military experience as the courthouse becomes a battleground. The confined setting gives the story a natural source of tension, with the characters forced to navigate the hostage situation while remaining trapped inside the building.
'John Wick' Veteran Joins the Cast
Zaror's arrival is one of the most notable developments for fans of the genre. The actor became internationally recognisable after appearing as Chidi in 'John Wick: Chapter 4'. His character was among the fighters pursuing Reeves's assassin, allowing Zaror to showcase his martial-arts abilities alongside one of Hollywood's biggest action stars.
Zaror has continued to build a reputation in physically demanding roles, with credits including 'The Killer's Game' and 'Fight or Flight'. His background makes him a natural fit for a film centred on a violent courthouse takeover.
However, details of his character have not been disclosed. It remains unclear whether Zaror will play an ally, antagonist, hostage or another figure caught up in the siege.
Established Names Join the Ensemble
Zaror and Johnson join a cast that already includes several performers with major Hollywood credits. Calle has appeared in 'The Flash' and 'The Rip', while Layne is known for 'The Old Guard'. Hemsworth, meanwhile, has appeared in 'Westworld' and several feature films.
The ensemble gives the movie plenty of experience across action and thriller projects, although the filmmakers are keeping several character details secret.
Director Brings 'Kill' Experience
'Deadlocked' is directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, whose previous film 'Kill' became known for its intense sequences and confined setting.
The 2023 Indian thriller follows a commando caught in a violent confrontation aboard a train, forcing Bhat to sustain tension within a restricted environment. That experience could prove useful for 'Deadlocked', where the courthouse provides a similarly limited setting for the unfolding crisis.
The screenplay comes from Eric Scot Anderson and Matt Takejiro Bosack, based on an original idea.
Foxx is producing through Foxxhole Productions alongside Fred Berger for Range and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Dave Caplan for C2. AJ Bourscheid, Liz Destro, Paul Currie and Corinne Foxx are also executive producers.
Prime Video Release Plans
Amazon MGM Studios is developing 'Deadlocked' for Prime Video, although a release date has not yet been announced. For now, much of the film remains under wraps, particularly Zaror's character and the roles several members of the ensemble will play in the courthouse crisis.
What is clear is that Foxx will be at the centre of a hostage situation that forces his former Marine to confront a dangerous threat, while Zaror brings a high-profile 'John Wick' connection to the cast.
With a courthouse siege at its heart and a filmmaker experienced in contained action, 'Deadlocked' is shaping up as a tense thriller with a distinctly physical edge.
