Martial Arts Star Iko Uwais Leads Gripping Hospital Siege Thriller 'MRI'

In the latest entertainment news, martial arts star Iko Uwais is set to headline the hospital siege thriller "MRI," with Liam O'Donnell attached to direct. The film, which is being produced by Strong Island and Uwais Pictures, has been acquired by Daniel Baur's K5 International for international sales.

This will mark the third feature collaboration between Uwais and O'Donnell, who previously worked together on the 2017 film "Beyond Skyline" and the upcoming "Skyline: Warpath." According to O'Donnell, Uwais' "sheer charisma, soulful depth and insane work ethic" make him the perfect choice for the lead role.

The plot of "MRI" centers on a broken-down hitman with a shattered family and a busted knee who undergoes a routine MRI when the entire hospital is taken over by ruthless gangsters. Now, he's the only one who can rescue the daughter of a powerful crime boss and save the day. The script was written by Russell Hainline, known for his work on Netflix's "Hot Frosty."

Principal photography for "MRI" is expected to begin in Jakarta early next year. The film is part of Uwais' growing production company, Uwais Pictures, which recently premiered the opening night film "Ikatan Darah" at Fantastic Fest. Uwais is also set to make his directorial debut with the film "Timur," scheduled to premiere in Indonesia on December 18.