Sydney Sweeney joins forces with Justin Lin for globe-trekking action film ‘That Man From Rio’

Sydney Sweeney is rewriting her story, one bold move at a time.

Fresh off her box-office success in Anyone But You, she’s diving headfirst into a globe-trotting action film with Fast & Furious mastermind Justin Lin. Their new project, That Man From Rio, reimagines a 1960s adventure classic for modern audiences.

For Sweeney, this marks more than a genre shift; it’s a defining moment in her rise from breakout actress to creative force. She’s producing the film herself, shaping both its story and its direction.

Let’s unpack what this unexpected collaboration means for her career, for Justin Lin’s comeback, and for Apple’s growing push into blockbuster filmmaking.

Sydney Sweeney Takes a Daring Leap Into Action

Sydney Sweeney has stepped into uncharted territory with her new role in That Man From Rio. The project, a remake of the 1964 adventure film, will allow her to display a different side of her talent.

According to Deadline, Sweeney will star in and executive produce the reimagining of the classic French adventure. This move strengthens her position as both performer and creative force in Hollywood’s new generation.

The actress has built her reputation through acclaimed performances in Euphoria and Anyone But You. Now, she’s branching into globe-spanning action, balancing her romantic comedy success with dynamic, physical storytelling under Justin Lin’s direction.

This partnership reflects her growing influence behind the camera. By taking on executive producer duties, Sweeney signals that she wants to shape projects from conception to completion, a clear statement about her long-term ambitions in film.

Justin Lin Returns to His Blockbuster Roots

Director Justin Lin is no stranger to large-scale filmmaking. His Fast & Furious installments grossed billions worldwide, proving his command of stunt-driven cinema and character-focused spectacle. This film marks his return to that energetic storytelling style.

Lin will direct and produce through his Perfect Storm Entertainment banner. His involvement ensures the project combines inventive action with cinematic polish that resonates with global audiences.

Lin’s vision reportedly focuses on reviving the adventure spirit of the 1960s classic while integrating modern pacing and humor. His ability to merge emotion with velocity makes him an ideal director for a character-driven thrill ride.

He stepped away from Fast X due to creative differences, and this film appears to be his return to form. Working with Apple and Sweeney gives him the freedom to experiment with a fresh narrative framework.

Honoring a Classic that Shaped Modern Adventure

The original That Man From Rio, directed by Philippe de Broca, was released in 1964 and starred Jean-Paul Belmondo and Françoise Dorléac. It’s widely celebrated for inspiring elements later seen in Indiana Jones.

The film was a playful homage to pulp adventure tales that helped define cinematic fun before the blockbuster era. Its DNA runs deep in the action-comedy genre.

Remaking such a beloved property comes with expectations. Fans of the original will anticipate a blend of nostalgia and novelty, while new audiences will look for modern themes and fast-paced storytelling. Balancing both will be key.

Sweeney’s involvement brings a fresh perspective to the story’s gender dynamics. While the 1964 film centered on a male hero, the remake is expected to reimagine roles for contemporary audiences, amplifying female agency without losing the playful charm.

Apple Original Films Expands Its Cinematic Ambitions

Apple Original Films continues positioning itself as a serious Hollywood player. By greenlighting That Man From Rio, the company demonstrates a growing interest in high-budget adventure films with global appeal and marquee talent.

Apple sees the project as a step toward expanding its portfolio beyond prestige dramas into more commercial territory. That shift mirrors how streaming platforms now chase theatrical-style success.

Recent Apple releases such as Killers of the Flower Moon and Napoleon show the company’s commitment to top-tier directors and lavish production values. Adding Justin Lin to that roster signals confidence in mainstream storytelling.

This new partnership could also broaden Apple’s audience base. By blending artistic credibility with adrenaline-filled entertainment, the studio aims to compete directly with traditional powerhouses like Warner Bros. and Paramount.

What the Production Looks Like So Far

Details about the film’s production remain under wraps, but development is moving quickly. Chase Palmer, co-writer of It (2017), is penning the script, ensuring a balance between suspense, wit and emotional drive.

The project will shoot across multiple continents, capturing the spirit of travel and chaos that defined the original. This approach promises visually rich storytelling and immersive world-building.

Kevin J. Walsh, known for producing films including Manchester by the Sea, Napoleon, and House of Gucci, joins as a producer alongside Lin. This combination of creative talent and logistical expertise sets the stage for an ambitious cinematic experience crafted for both theaters and streaming.

While no release date has been announced, production is anticipated to start in 2026. The project will likely feature high-concept action sequences mixed with humor, romance, and global intrigue.

The Promise and Pressure Ahead

Expectations are sky-high for That Man From Rio. Sweeney’s fanbase ensures strong buzz, while Lin’s track record guarantees technical mastery. Together, they form a partnership that could redefine the modern adventure genre for streaming-era audiences.

However, remakes often face skepticism. Maintaining the charm of a 1960s adventure while meeting today’s standards for storytelling and representation poses a creative challenge. Both artists must balance homage and reinvention carefully.

The project’s success will depend on tone, whether it can retain the whimsy of the original while feeling contemporary and character-driven. That observation underscores the fine line they must walk.

If done right, That Man From Rio could mark a defining moment in Sweeney’s career and solidify Apple’s standing as a top-tier film studio unafraid to mix art with blockbuster entertainment.

TL;DR

• Sydney Sweeney stars in and executive produces That Man From Rio, directed by Justin Lin.
• The film reimagines the 1964 French-Italian adventure that inspired Indiana Jones.
• Apple Original Films backs the project with global ambitions and blockbuster scope.
• Chase Palmer writes the script, with Kevin Walsh and Lin producing.
• Filming will span multiple countries, with release details yet to come.
• The remake positions both Sweeney and Apple as bold new players in mainstream adventure cinema.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.