The cast of A24’s gonzo actioner Onslaught from The Guest director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett is only continues to heat up. THR reports that The Terminator and Aliens star Michael Biehn is set to make his return to studio films with the gonzo actioner.
Reginald VelJohnson, remembered for his role in action classic Die Hard, and comedian Eric Wareheim (Tim & Eric) have also joined the cast.
The actors join previously announced cast members Drew Starkey, Dan Stevens, Blink Twice star Adria Arjona, and UFC Champion Alex “Poatan” Pereira, who is still in talks.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but Onslaught is being described as “a gonzo action horror thriller.” Michael Biehn will play a leader of an elite group of mercenaries who try to reign in the threat. VelJohnson is playing a member of the mother’s trailer park community as is Wareheim.
Arjona stars as a mother who “falls back on a particular set of skills in order to protect her loved ones after she runs afoul of a threat that has escaped a secret military base. Pereira will play a character called The Butcher and bring his set of skills – including anaconda chokes and roundhouse kicks – to his meaty role.” As for Stevens? The actor will play a German scientist working on the experiments that escape, not unlike his role in this year’s Cuckoo. Pereira will play the central villain.
Producers include Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company (RPC) banner alongside A24, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barrett. Deadline’s report also notes this afternoon, “Lyrical’s Jon Rosenberg and Natalie Sellers will serve as executive producers with A24.”
Adam Wingard’s directorial credits also include A Horrible Way to Die, V/H/S, V/H/S/2, and Blair Witch, while Simon Barrett scripted all of the above. Barrett recently made his feature directing debut with Séance, and he wrote the upcoming Azrael starring Samara Weaving.
Shooting begins in November in New Mexico, so expect to hear more about Onslaught soon. The casting news already indicates that the “gonzo action horror” won’t be hyperbole.