The action thriller Lotus is bringing together an international cast led by Cuba Gooding Jr., Keith Duffy, Qymira, and Luke Ford. The film was first introduced among several projects at the Cannes Film Festival this year. And even among recent action thrillers, Lotus’ action, unique storytelling, and filming locations have begun to garner attention even before its release.

And with production now in full swing, several notable new names continue to join the project both on-screen and behind the scenes.

Apart from Cuba Gooding Jr., Keith Duffy, Qymira, and Luke Ford, Cristian Lavin and Alberto Cowboy are also part of the cast, as Variety has exclusively reported. While Rex Lopez and Pedring Lopez co-wrote the script, the latter will direct the movie. Both are also executive producers for the film, as reported by Variety.

This is also the first collaboration in a planned five-film deal between Hong Kong-based ACT3 and Philippine production company Blackops Studios Asia. Another major highlight of the movie is its filming locations, with production scheduled to take place in Manila as well as Brazil. Several cast members, including Cuba Gooding Jr., Ford, and Qymira, have also expressed their excitement about filming in Manila.

“There’s an energy to this project and to Manila that immediately pulled me in,” Gooding Jr. shared with Variety.

“Manila and Brazil are incredible backdrops for this kind of action-thriller, and I’m excited to be part of something that feels both intimate and global at the same time,” Ford said.

Filipino-American choreographer and producer Sonny Sison will helm the stunt and action scenes. And Sison will have both local and international stunt teams from the U.S. and Hong Kong to support him. Moreover, the production has continued to add more Filipino cast members.

‘The Boys’ Creator Erik Kripke Opens Up About Polarizing Fan Reactions to the Finale Episode

While Lotus is currently in production, another thriller gaining attention this year is Hope, which was earlier featured at the Cannes Film Festival.

The sci-fi action thriller previously premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2026. It is set for a domestic release later this year, followed by an official North American and global theatrical release in the fall, as per Variety. Deadline also further reported that Neon acquired the film’s North American and English-language distribution rights, while Mubi secured the rights for Latin America, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Turkey.

The hype surrounding the movie is understandable, given its star-studded cast. Directed by Na Hong-jin, the action thriller stars Hwang Jung-min, Zo In-sung, and Hoyeon, with Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and Cameron Britton also joining the cast. Until Lotus arrives, Hope certainly cannot be missed.

James Bond vs. Reacher vs. John Wick: Modern Action Heroes Dominating Genres

What do you think about the cast of Lotus? Let us know in the comments.