Iko Uwais to lead Jakarta crime saga for Alcon
Albert Hughes is attached to direct the pilot of the Indonesia-set family crime series, with Kirk Ward serving as showrunner.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Iko Uwais is heading back into hard-hitting action territory with “Jakarta,” a family crime saga spanning generations that is in development at Alcon Entertainment, Variety reports.
The Indonesian action star is set to lead the series and executive produce through his Uwais Pictures banner with Ryan Santoso. Albert Hughes is attached to direct the pilot and serve as producing director, according to the report.
The project is being written by Kirk Ward and Joshua W. Wagner. Ward is also set as showrunner, putting him back in business with Hughes after the two worked together on “The Continental,” Peacock’s event series prequel to the “John Wick” films.
Variety reports that Hughes, Ward and Wagner are also executive producers on “Jakarta,” rounding out the producing team with Uwais and Santoso.
A crime story rooted in Indonesia’s capital
“Jakarta” is set in Indonesia’s capital as the city deals with fast globalization, according to Variety. The producers are framing the series as a grounded and forceful crime epic, pairing Ward’s television drama background with Hughes’ film work.
For Uwais, the show is built around the kind of intense physical screen presence that made him an international action name. His credits include “The Raid,” “Wu Assassins” and “Road House 2.”
Hughes brings a different kind of grit to the package. He is known for directing “Menace II Society” and “The Book of Eli.” Alcon Entertainment, the company behind “Blade Runner 2049” and “The Expanse,” is producing the series.
No platform, production start date or additional casting was announced in Variety’s report.
Uwais keeps the action slate busy
“Jakarta” joins a busy run for Uwais. Variety reports that he is also set to star in John Radel’s “Warrior,” an Indonesian action thriller that returns him to Silat-based fight work, the martial arts style tied to his breakout career.
Uwais is also attached to “MRI,” a hospital siege thriller directed by Liam O’Donnell. The movie marks another collaboration between Uwais and O’Donnell after “Beyond Skyline,” released in 2017, and the forthcoming “Skyline: Warpath,” according to Variety.
The representation lineup is also in place. Variety reports that Uwais is represented by Gersh and Vault Entertainment. Hughes is represented by Range Media Partners. Ward is represented by Gersh, while Wagner is represented by Gersh and Lit Entertainment.
With “Jakarta,” Uwais, Hughes and Alcon are putting together a crime series package with international action pedigree, a major Indonesian setting and a creative team that already has franchise television experience.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.