It’s reasonable to say the Russo brothers’ latest projects haven’t fully met expectations. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo appeared to reach their height within the Marvel Cinematic Universe; their Captain America films are considered the best of the franchise, and Endgame was a spectacular event in its own right. This success has overshadowed the small number of action films they’ve made for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime in recent years. These works range from mediocre to poor—from the decent Extraction to and the truly awful .
Given their spotty recent record, it’s no surprise the Russos jumped at the chance [gap] when it came along. They’re returning to direct two more Avengers blockbusters: Doomsday and Secret Wars, which are shaping up to be a genuine comeback for the duo. But before Doomsday hits theaters this December, The Bluff might beat it to the punch as an early indicator of their return to form.
The Russos only act as producers on The Bluff—Frank E. Flowers is the director—but their influence is evident throughout the film. It shares parallels with their past action projects, both good and bad. Its visual effects sometimes have their signature dull, murky look, but The Bluff promises to compensate with intense, physical action and a fascinating historical setup. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a Citadel alum, plays Ercell: a former pirate who left her crew to live a quiet life in the Cayman Islands. Decades later, she’s happily settled with a spouse and children, but when her old captain (Karl Urban from The Boys) arrives, she’s forced to pick up her sword and face her past.
The Bluff has had its own share of chaos: it initially [gap] with Zoe Saldaña in the lead role, before moving to Prime Video. It will be interesting to see how Chopra portrays such a ruthless character, though the trailer snippet might ease any negative memories of Citadel. This film could be a fantastic showcase for both her and the Russos, who’ve struggled consistently lately—whether directing or producing. Perhaps The Bluff is the first sign of a refreshed director-producer team: when nothing else works, a pirate adventure is a solid choice.