Morgan Freeman Rocks as Villain in Alabama-Set Action Flick

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Hey movie lovers, get ready for some action-packed fun!

The trailer for "Gunner" just dropped, and it's giving us all the excitement we need right now.

Filmed in the Birmingham area in spring 2023, this movie stars the legendary Morgan Freeman and the talented Luke Hemsworth.

The trailer, released by Warner Bros., teases us with intense fistfights, explosive gun battles, and a thrilling prison escape.

And guess what? You can spot the iconic Sloss Furnaces at the 1:11 mark!

GunnerPhoto byWarner Bros. Entertainment/Highland Film Group

Meet the Chill Villain

Morgan Freeman takes on the role of Kendrick Ryker, a laid-back drug lord with a twist.

Directed by Dimitri Logothetis and co-written with Gary Scott Thompson of "The Fast and the Furious" fame, "Gunner" promises a gripping storyline.

Luke Hemsworth plays the titular character, Lee Gunner, a skilled military vet whose fishing trip turns into chaos when his two sons are kidnapped by Ryker's cartel.

Birmingham's Star Moments

The movie showcases several Birmingham landmarks, so keep an eye out!

Filming locations included Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park and Watermark Place in Bessemer, where Freeman shot most of his scenes.

Director Logothetis shared in a 2023 interview with AL.com that Freeman's performance would be a standout.

"I like my bad guy characters to be likable," he said. "You can't get any more likable than Morgan Freeman. He just has such a warmth about him."

Action-Packed and Hilarious

Freeman, at 87, brings a relaxed yet commanding presence to his villainous role. Even when threatened by the intense hero, he keeps his cool.

In the trailer, Ryker's son has Gunner's kids, leading to a tense showdown.

Hemsworth's character warns, “If he hurts my boys, I’m going to kill you and kill everyone you know,” to which Freeman's Ryker casually responds, “Whoa, that’s a lot of killing for one man.”

Clearly, Ryker underestimates Gunner, but the trailer proves otherwise.

Mark Your Calendars!

"Gunner" is set to release on August 16 on digital streaming platforms and in select theaters.

Don't miss out on seeing Birmingham shine on the big screen with Morgan Freeman and Luke Hemsworth leading the charge.

In the meantime, check out these other movies filmed in Alabama.

Sources:

• Morgan Freeman plays chill villain in trailer for ‘Gunner,’ an action movie filmed in Alabama
• Luke Hemsworth Uses Morgan Freeman as Collateral In ‘Gunner’ Trailer
• Morgan Freeman & Luke Hemsworth in Action Thriller 'Gunner' Trailer