‘Evac’: Renny Harlin to Direct Prison Rescue Thriller

Renny Harlin (A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, Deep Blue Sea, The Strangers trilogy) has lined up his next feature, with the filmmaker set to direct Evac, an action-packed prison rescue thriller. The project was reported by Deadline.

What Is Evac About?

Written by Sidney King (Skyfire), Evac follows a medical specialist whose rescue mission takes a dangerous turn when her helicopter crash-lands in the middle of a volatile prison yard.

The official synopsis reads:

“A medical specialist must team up with a wounded inmate she was sent to rescue after their medical helicopter crash-lands in a volatile prison yard. Together, the mismatched duo must survive the night and fight their way out amidst a dangerous, unfolding prison conspiracy.”

With the rescue mission spiraling into a fight for survival, the two unlikely allies must navigate the prison’s dangerous power dynamics while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens their chances of escape.

Renny Harlin Promises an Adrenaline-Fueled Thriller

Harlin described the screenplay as a fast-paced story built around suspense, action, and high-stakes character drama.

“The script is a non-stop adrenaline rush,” said Harlin. “It combines an intense, ticking-clock rescue mission with deep, character-driven stakes. The moment that chopper goes down, the audience will be trapped right there in the yard with our heroes. I’ve always loved high-octane stories where everyday professionals are thrown into extraordinary, survival-stakes environments.”

Producer Michael Roccio also expressed enthusiasm about bringing Harlin aboard, praising the director’s experience with suspense and large-scale action.

“We are thrilled to have Renny Harlin directing Evac. He is a true master of cinematic suspense and grand-scale action. Sidney has crafted a brilliant pressure-cooker world that balances prison politics with raw survival prowess. We are confident Evac will become an unforgettable theatrical experience for action fans worldwide,” Roccio said.

Renny Harlin’s Next Project After Deep Water

Harlin has maintained a busy schedule in recent years, directing projects across the horror, thriller, and action genres. His recent work includes The Strangers trilogy and Deep Water, a shark-attack horror film that returned him to the subgenre he explored with the 1999 cult favorite Deep Blue Sea.

With Evac, Harlin is turning his attention to a contained prison survival story driven by a desperate rescue mission, escalating danger, and a conspiracy unfolding behind prison walls.

Further details about the film, including its cast and release date, have yet to be announced.