Anthony Mackie is stepping into another intense action role — and this time, it’s all about survival on the road. The actor is set to headline Barracuda, a gritty action-thriller that pairs him with rising star Dafne Keen in a relentless, high-stakes chase story.
Directed by Neil Burger — known for films like Limitless and The Illusionist — the movie has officially begun production in New Mexico, signaling a fast-moving timeline for what’s shaping up to be a pure adrenaline ride.
At the center is Anthony Mackie, playing Karl, a former smuggler trying to outrun his past. His mission kicks off with a rescue — breaking into a nightclub in Mexico to save a kidnapped teenager, played by Dafne Keen.
But things escalate quickly.
What starts as a rescue turns into a full-blown chase after Karl kills the brother of a powerful crime boss and escapes with a stolen 1973 Plymouth Barracuda — a detail that gives the film its title and its edge. From there, it’s a non-stop run across desert highways toward the U.S. border, with enemies closing in and no safe exit in sight.
And that’s exactly the tone Burger is aiming for.
He has described the film as a “real-time sprint” packed with relentless action, promising a story that doesn’t slow down. Interestingly, he’s also experimenting with new visual techniques — something he’s done in past projects — which suggests Barracuda could lean heavily into immersive, kinetic storytelling rather than traditional action beats.
The supporting cast includes Steven Bauer and Anthony Del Negro, adding experience and intensity around the central duo.
Behind the scenes, the project has serious backing. Producers include teams from Highland Film Group and ImageMovers, with executive production support from Oscar-winner Robert Zemeckis — a name that adds credibility to the film’s scale and ambition.
What makes Barracuda stand out isn’t just the action setup — it’s the combination.
Mackie brings grounded intensity and physical presence, while Keen, known for her sharp, emotionally driven performances, adds a different kind of energy. That pairing could give the film more depth than a typical chase thriller.
And in a market crowded with big franchise action, Barracuda feels like a return to something more contained — a focused, character-driven survival story powered by tension rather than spectacle.
Filming is now underway in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with Highland Film Group handling global rights.
If Burger delivers on his promise of “relentless mayhem,” this could be one of those lean, fast-paced thrillers that doesn’t try to be bigger than it is — just sharper, faster, and harder to escape.
