‘Taken’ and ‘Rambo’ creatives reunite for new franchise bid
British actor Daisy Ridley is set to headline “The Good Samaritan,” a new action-thriller that brings together filmmakers with serious credentials in the genre. The project will be directed by Pierre Morel, best known for launching the “Taken” franchise, and produced by Millennium Media, the company behind later “Rambo” films and other high-octane titles. Ridley, who broke out globally as Rey in the recent “Star Wars” trilogy, is expected to play an ordinary woman pushed into a high-risk mission after a chance encounter. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but early descriptions point to a story that mixes grounded suspense with large-scale set pieces and international locations.

“The Good Samaritan” will be presented to international buyers at an upcoming film market, with producers hoping to position it as the start of a new franchise centred on Ridley’s character. The film fits a broader push by streamers and studios to find action titles anchored by female leads who can carry long-running series. Ridley has already signalled interest in physically demanding roles and has built a profile that spans indie dramas and blockbuster sci-fi, giving the project added crossover appeal. For Morel, it is an opportunity to revisit the “everyday person in extreme danger” template that made “Taken” a surprise global hit.

Streaming competition, theatrical hopes
Industry insiders say “The Good Samaritan” is being packaged with both theatrical and streaming windows in mind, reflecting a market where mid-budget action movies often live or die based on post-theatrical performance. Millennium Media has a long history of selling international rights territory by territory, and strong early pre-sales could determine how much is ultimately spent on marketing and visual effects. With audiences fragmented across platforms, a recognisable star and a clean, high-concept premise remain key tools for cutting through the noise. Ridley’s involvement may help draw fans who first encountered her in “Star Wars” but are now looking for grittier, more grounded roles.

The announcement also lands in a year crowded with female-led action projects, from franchise sequels to streaming originals, raising the stakes for standing out. Success will likely depend on execution: sharp choreography, memorable villains and a story that avoids feeling like a retread of earlier hits. For Ridley, a strong performance could further distance her from the shadow of Rey and cement her as a reliable anchor for action-driven stories. For buyers and streamers, “The Good Samaritan” offers something familiar yet marketable—a contained thriller with the potential to grow into a brand if audiences respond.