David Hackl, known for his work on films like “Saw V” and “Dangerous,” has been tapped to direct the upcoming neo-noir action thriller, “Solar Storm,” produced by Pelican Pictures. The script is penned by Joe Rabl and features Jack Hudson of “The Devil’s Train” in a dual role as both star and producer, alongside Lorena Andrea from “Warrior Nun.”
Plot Overview
“Solar Storm” unfolds over a single catastrophic day, centering on Joe (Hudson), an ex-convict striving to escape his troubled past. His journey intersects with that of Jasmine (Andrea), a woman eager to flee a violent marriage. When the most significant solar storm in recorded history strikes, it plunges the city into darkness, disrupting power, communication, and order. As chaos ensues—manifesting in looting and riots—the line between predator and prey blurs, forcing Joe and Jasmine into a harrowing 24-hour escape, hunted by forces more dangerous than the storm itself.
Character Insights
Hudson reflects on his character, saying, “Joe is a man who’s done everything to leave his past behind, only to have the world itself collapse around him. The solar storm doesn’t just take the lights out — it strips people down to who they really are. David knows how to make that kind of tension relentless and cinematic. That’s the movie I wanted to make.”
Cast and Crew
The film features a talented supporting cast, including Massi Furlan (“Jumanji: The Next Level”), Valerie Huber (“Whiskey Cavalier”), and Werner Daehn (“The Lives of Others”). Additional casting for major roles is still underway.
Producers for “Solar Storm” include Hudson and Joe Rabl from Pelican Pictures, alongside Walter Mair (“Liaison”) from Trigger Films, with Reinhard Besser (“The Ledge”) serving as executive producer. Trigger Films is also providing financing and navigating the U.K. tax credit and GAP financing. Mair is set to compose the film’s score.
Production Team
The movie’s crew boasts impressive talent, including line producer Yanko Ushatov (“The Expendables”), stunt coordinator Rok Cvetkov (“Schindler’s List”), second unit director Alex Cvetkov (“SAS: Rogue Heroes”), and aerial coordinator and helicopter stunt pilot Frédéric North (“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”). Additionally, Andrew Simpson (“Fallout”) will oversee animal coordination.
Creative Vision
Rabl articulates his vision for the project, stating, “I wrote Solar Storm as a pure pressure cooker. One day. No power. No rules. Two people who need each other to survive. The storm outside is nothing compared to what’s happening inside these characters.”
Filming Schedule
Principal photography for “Solar Storm” is slated to begin in the winter of 2026 in Bulgaria, with a production budget of approximately €15 million.
Hudson is represented by Framework Entertainment, while Hackl is repped by IAG. Andrea is represented by 42 and New Era Talent.
