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Joe Cole is the latest high profile addition to Amazon MGM Studios untitled Navy SEAL movie starring Alan Ritchson. The project marks a reunion between Ritchson and director Patrick Hughes following their previous collaboration and continues to gain momentum as one of the studio most closely watched upcoming films.
The movie is based on an extraordinary true story from the final days of the Vietnam War. It centers on Navy SEAL Mike Thornton played by Ritchson and depicts one of the most remarkable acts of bravery in modern military history. During a covert mission in North Vietnam five American servicemen find themselves trapped behind enemy lines and vastly outnumbered. Facing a force of approximately 150 enemy soldiers the team must endure relentless gunfire and impossible odds in a desperate fight for survival.
As the situation grows more dire Thornton leads a dangerous retreat toward the South China Sea. The escape becomes even more perilous when both a gravely wounded lieutenant and another injured soldier are tied to him as he enters the water. Thornton swims for hours through hostile territory while under constant threat. His actions ultimately save lives and earn him the Congressional Medal of Honor recognizing one of the highest displays of valor in United States military history.
Joe Cole role has not yet been disclosed but his involvement adds significant dramatic weight to the production. Cole is widely known for his work across television theater and film. He gained major recognition for his performance in A Prayer Before Dawn which earned him the Best Actor award at the British Independent Film Awards in 2018. His filmography also includes The Birthday Party The Actor Against the Ice One Of These Days Offender Green Room The Falling The Secret in Their Eyes and Thank You For Your Service.
On television Cole is best known for his recurring role in the BBC series Peaky Blinders. He has also appeared in Gangs of London Nightsleeper A Small Light The Ipcress File Black Mirror Pure The Hour and Skins. His range and intensity have made him a sought after actor for character driven and demanding roles which makes his casting in the Navy SEAL film particularly notable.
The film is produced by an experienced group that includes Sylvester Stallone and D Matt Geller for Balboa Productions along with Todd Lieberman of Hidden Pictures Alex Young Alan Ritchson AllyCat Entertainment and Alan Rautbort. The script was written by Mark Semos Alan Ritchson and Jason Hall who previously worked on American Sniper and Thank You For Your Service.
Cole upcoming projects include Subversion for Amazon MGM Studios He Bled Neon The Queen of Fashion and I See Buildings. He is represented by B Side WME and Tapestry.
With a powerful true story a proven creative team and a cast led by Alan Ritchson and Joe Cole the untitled Navy SEAL movie is shaping up to be a major release for Amazon MGM Studios and a tribute to one of the most courageous moments in military history.
