‘Saw V’ Director David Hackl Boards Action-Thriller ‘Solar Storm’ as Jack Hudson and Lorena Andrea Cast in Lead Roles (EXCLUSIVE)

‘Saw V’ Director David Hackl Boards Action-Thriller ‘Solar Storm’ as Jack Hudson and Lorena Andrea Cast in Lead Roles

EXCLUSIVE: Hollywood veteran David Hackl, best known for helming the blockbuster horror entry Saw V and the star-studded survival thriller Dangerous, has officially signed on to direct the upcoming neo-noir action thriller Solar Storm. The project, produced under the banner of Pelican Pictures, is gearing up to be a tight, pulse-pounding cinematic ride that taps into the high-octane urgency of classic single-day real-time thrillers.

Written by screenwriter Joe Rabl, the film stars rising action actor Jack Hudson (The Devil’s Train) alongside standout performer Lorena Andrea, who captured international fan attention in Netflix’s cult-favorite fantasy action series Warrior Nun and Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. In addition to starring as the central lead, Hudson is taking on double duty for the project, serving as an executive producer through his production team.

A High-Stakes Race Against Time in a Single Catastrophic Day

Set against the apocalyptic backdrop of a sudden atmospheric breakdown, Solar Storm unfolds over one relentless, pressure-cooker 24-hour period. The narrative centers on Joe (played by Hudson), a reform-minded ex-convict desperately attempting to rebuild a legitimate life and leave his dark criminal history behind. However, when a massive solar event triggers widespread grid failure, paralyzing modern communications and plunging urban infrastructure into complete lawlessness, Joe finds his path to redemption severely threatened.

As rival syndicates move in to exploit the blackout chaos across the city, Joe is reluctantly drawn back into the violent underworld he swore to escape. Forced to navigate a lethal landscape alongside a fierce and resourceful ally, portrayed by Lorena Andrea, the duo faces an agonizing race against the clock. Trapped between ruthless underworld enforcers, opportunistic mercenaries, and an escalating global atmospheric crisis, the two must rely on raw survival instincts to stay alive until sunrise.

Heavyweight Genre Talent Behind and In Front of the Camera

For director David Hackl, Solar Storm marks an exciting return to intense, high-concept suspense. Hackl originally carved out his legacy in Hollywood as a master of atmosphere, working as a production designer and second-unit director on iconic genre staples like Saw II, Saw III, and Saw IV before stepping into the director's chair for 2008’s Saw V, which went on to earn over $113 million at the global box office. He subsequently directed John Travolta in the storm-tracker action drama Life on the Line and teamed up with Mel Gibson and Scott Eastwood for the 2021 thriller Dangerous.

Industry insiders note that Hackl’s proven ability to craft claustrophobic tension within tight physical boundaries makes him uniquely qualified to bring Rabl's script to life. His signature visual direction—characterized by stark lighting contrast, industrial textures, and visceral physical choreography—promises to elevate Solar Storm into a standout entry in the modern indie action renaissance.

Meanwhile, lead actor Jack Hudson continues to build significant momentum within the independent action landscape. Following his dark, charismatic turn in The Devil’s Train, Hudson’s dual role as lead star and producer highlights his commitment to developing gritty, character-driven thrillers. Pairing him with Lorena Andrea—whose impressive stunt training and emotional depth anchored her breakout work in Warrior Nun—creates an exciting on-screen dynamic expected to draw significant interest at international distribution markets.

Pelican Pictures Expands Its Slate of Mid-Budget Thrillers

The announcement reflects Pelican Pictures' broader strategy to produce concept-driven, theatrical-grade action properties designed for global audiences. With Rabl’s script striking a timely nerve regarding human vulnerability to technological collapse, the creative team aims to fuse neo-noir storytelling with disaster-thriller elements.

Production on Solar Storm is slated to kick off later this year, with principal photography set to take place across atmospheric urban locations. Casting for supporting roles is currently underway, with additional announcements expected as pre-production accelerates.

Source: Hollywood Industry Reports