Key Highlights
- Stephen Lang is set to star in the sequel “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” where he plays a brutal Red Army commander named Igor Draganov.
- The film follows an ex-soldier who takes on a battalion of Nazis, with the original 2023 film receiving positive reviews for its unique style and action sequences.
- Lang discusses his preparation for playing such a monster character, emphasizing the intellectual exercise involved in grounding the role in truth and authenticity.
- The sequel promises more pulse-pounding action, with viewers expecting bone-breaking fights, breathless action scenes, and cheer-worthy gore.
Stephen Lang Discusses His Role as a Brutal Red Army Commander
In an interview conducted by Matt Konopka on November 7, 2025, actor Stephen Lang shares insights into his latest role in the horror sequel Sisu: Road to Revenge. The film follows an ex-soldier who battles a battalion of Nazis, with Lang portraying Igor Draganov, a cold-blooded Red Army commander.
Lang, known for his chilling performance as the Blind Man from Fede Alvarez’s Don’t Breathe, reveals that his approach to playing such a monster involves an “intellectual exercise” grounded in authenticity. He explains, “If I need to ground a role in a certain type of truth and authenticity, if I need to validate this role for my own self, then it’s necessary…to find the history of the character.”
The Intellectual Exercise
When asked about his preparation process, Lang elaborates, “What is it that turns a man into this kind of callous and cold killing machine? Totally unrepentant. Remorseless. How does that come about?” This exploration into the psyche of Draganov serves as a crucial step in his performance.
Directorial Vision
Jalmari Helander, the writer/director behind both Sisu and its sequel, has a distinct vision for the film. Lang acknowledges, “Jalmari is all of the characters.” He goes on to praise the director’s ability to create fascinating individuals, describing Sisu: Road to Revenge as an “intellectual exercise” that challenges the audience.
Action Packed Sequel
The sequel promises to deliver more of the intense action and pulse-pounding excitement fans have come to expect. In a review for Dread out of Fantastic Fest, Sharai Bohannon described Sisu: Road to Revenge as “feeling like one of the ’90s arcade games that were just no-holds-barred fights in different locations.” The film is expected to be filled with breathtaking fireballs from exploding vehicles, flying body parts, and relentless action sequences.
Lang’s role as Draganov in Sisu: Road to Revenge will be a brutal one. He states, “He’s the sort of man who has no issues cutting women and children into pieces with a shovel. No qualms with killing whatsoever.” The actor emphasizes that while he brings certain elements to the project, Helander lays down all the groundwork for the character’s development.
Release Date and Viewing Experience
Sisu: Road to Revenge will be released in theaters on November 21st. Lang comments positively on his experience with Sisu, stating, “I was blown away by it…just a spectacularly cool movie. I’d never really seen a film quite like it before.” The sequel aims to continue this legacy of unique and thrilling action sequences.
Lang concludes the interview by praising Jalmari Helander’s vision, saying, “He’s making films in his own distinct way, in his own unique way with his own vision.” Fans can look forward to a film that delivers both intense action and a well-crafted villainous performance from Stephen Lang.
The wild madness of Sisu: Road to Revenge is set to release on November 21st. Experience the pulse-pounding, bone-breaking action for yourself in theaters near you.
