"Army of the Dead" fans are in for a wild new ride when "Army of Thieves" arrives on
Friday, October 29.
The new film is a prequel to Zack Snyder's zombie apocalypse sensation, taking place
half a world away from the undead action and introducing fans to the thrilling history
of the world's finest safecracker, Ludwig Dieter.
"Army of Thieves" gives audiences a chance to learn so much more about this master thief's
background, lifting the veil on why Dieter was so willing to run into grave danger for
the chance to unlock the fabled Gotterdammerung safe.
"You're in?
It's a doorway to another realm, my friends.
Providence has brought you to me.
We go through it together."
Dieter's experience in "Army of Thieves" is
a heart-racing adventure, and fans of "Army of the Dead" won't want to miss out
on this exciting new installment to the saga.
Here's what else you should know about "Army of Thieves" before the film drops.
"Army of Thieves" is the ultimate passion project for its creators.
Not only does Matthias Schweighöfer return to his colorful "Army of the Dead" role, but
he's also the one behind the lens, directing the movie.
Schweighöfer, who hails from Germany, has directed several of the films that he's starred
in and also has ample experience as a producer on his projects, so he was a shoo-in for helming
this production.
"Any questions?"
"No, no."
"Yes. Many. Hundreds."
Zack Snyder himself came up with the concept of this follow-up film after seeing Schweighöfer's
enigmatic performance as Dieter in "Army of the Dead."
"Matthias is hilarious, and there's something there.
And I said, 'What about this idea: some kind of 'Italian Job'-version movie but with learning
his backstory about why he loves these safes?"
Snyder's wife and producing partner, Deborah Snyder, was particularly enthralled by the
unique chance to take the "Army of the Dead" universe into new arenas.
"Like who's done a prequel where it's a different genre film?
'Cause to me, this is more a romantic-comedy heist film than anything else.
Yeah, absolutely."
Schweighöfer was excited by Snyder's invitation to return to the role and jumped at the opportunity
to work on the film, which was shot in the Czech Republic in late 2020.
Ludwig Dieter might have formed an instant bond with some of his new friends in the "Army
of the Dead" heist crew, but it wasn't his first time being part of a close-knit team
of talented burglars.
In "Army of Thieves," the character begins as a small-town bank teller who moonlights
as an amateur safecracker.
But everything changes for him when he's recruited into a ring of high-profile bandits.
"This is about becoming legends."
The leader of the group is the mysterious Gwendoline, who's portrayed by "Game of Thrones"
favorite Nathalie Emmanuel.
The actress -- who's also known for her work in the "Fast and the Furious" films, along
with shows like "The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance" -- said she loved the idea of
the film from the get-go.
"I really was drawn to the script and the character, and ultimately that's what matters."
Emmanuel also described Gwen as someone who isn't necessarily in the heist game for the
money, but someone who relishes the quest itself.
Also starring in the film is Ruby O. Fee as Korina.
Like Schweighöfer, Fee has starred in a number of German pictures, and she's also known for
her recent work in films like "Polar."
"Army of Thieves" also stars Stuart Martin as Brad Cage.
Fans will no doubt recognize him thanks to television series such as "Medici" and "Miss
Scarlet and the Duke."
Rounding out the main cast is Guz Khan as Rolph.
Khan previously worked with Emmanuel on the small-screen adaptation of "Four Weddings
and a Funeral," and he's also made a name for himself in shows like "Turn Up Charlie"
and "Man Like Mobeen."
Together, these five make for a dynamic team as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime
in Europe, all while the zombie catastrophe begins to unfold over in America.
"So is it like in a movie film where we each one of us has a different skill set and it's
only working together that we can pull off that which needs pulling off?"
"Yes, it's exactly like that."
You can catch "Army of Thieves" when it debuts on October 29.
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