Global action hero Vin Diesel heads an impressive cast of actors in the non-stop action film “The Last Witch Hunter,” a gorgeously rendered, explosively physical and thoroughly original fantasy adventure. The will propel audiences into a complex mythological universe packed with intense battles, unthinkable treachery and unforgettable characters. Set in a world never before seen on screen, the story spans over 800 years of one man’s quest to keep an army of vicious supernatural creatures determined to wipe out humanity at bay.
Diesel takes on the role of Kaulder, the centuries-old guardian of the human world who has lost his family, friends and perhaps even his hope in the battle against the dark forces. The inspiration for Kaulder and his story came from Diesel’s days as an avid gamer—particularly his more than 20-year fascination with the popular fantasy role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons. His dedication to the game is so complete that he was asked to write the forward for the book, 30 Years of Adventure: A Celebration of Dungeons & Dragons.
“The Last Witch Hunter” exposes secrets of the ancient world into the present day. The modern world holds many secrets, but by far the most astounding is that witches still live among us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world and putting an end to the human race once and for all. Armies of witch hunters have battled this unnatural enemy for centuries, including Kaulder, a valiant warrior who many years ago slayed the all-powerful Witch Queen, decimating her followers in the process. In the moments right before her death, the Queen cursed Kaulder with immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter. Today, Kaulder is the last living hunter who has spent his immortal life tracking down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost family. However, unbeknownst to Kaulder, the Witch Queen has been resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer, leading to an epic battle that will determine the survival of mankind.
The cast of The Last Witch Hunter has deep roots in the action-fantasy genre, featuring alumni of “Games of Thrones” as well as the Lord of the Rings, Dark Knight, Hobbit and Riddick franchises. “I believe no one has ever put together a cast that features so many heroes of other mythological adventures,” says producer Mark Canton, who also produced worldwide blockbusters such as “300,” “300: Rise of an Empire” and “Immortals.”
First and foremost, of course, is Diesel. His muscular charisma is crucial to Kaulder, the last surviving fighting member of The Axe and Cross, the fellowship dedicated to keeping sorcery in check. Kaulder has been accompanied on his long journey by a succession of priestly advisors, all known as Dolan. Members of the Axe and Cross, the Dolans whom Michael Caine (“The Dark Knight” trilogy) and Elijah Wood (“Hobbit”) are a part of, have documented Kaulder’s activities throughout the ages in handwritten journals that are passed on, so each Dolan is intimately familiar with his history. Rose Leslie from “Game of Thrones” plays Chloe, Kaulder’s unexpected new ally in his quest, a modern-day witch who runs a Memory Bar, a bohemian paradise hidden behind a magic door. Rounding out the cast are Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, HBO’s “True Detective”), Julie Engelbrecht (The Red Baron, Rumpelstilzchen), Isaach de Bankolé (Casino Royale), Joseph Gilgun (Lockout), and Rena Owen (Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones). Also appearing are Lotte Verbeek (The Fault In Our Stars), Michael Halsey (Ticker), Inbar Lavi (Fox’s “Gang Related”), Sloane Coombs (“Cleveland Abduction”), and Armani Jackson (Cooties, “Grey’s Anatomy”).
“The Last Witch Hunter” opens this October 21 from Pioneer Films.
