"The Bloody Path of God 3": The action cult film returns with original stars
Cool lines, pitch-black humour and plenty of action: 25 years after the first outing, the two original actors Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery go on a divine hunt for evil for the second time as the MacManus brothers.
The "Boondock Saints" are returning. Thunder Road, the producer of the "John Wick" films, has teamed up with rights holder Dragonfly Films to develop a third instalment in the film series. Original stars Sean Patrick Flanery and "The Walking Dead" star Norman Reedus will reprise their roles. However, the previous director Troy Duffy will not be returning. Instead, he plans to write a book series about the Saints and continue their story. The search for a new director is underway.
A new generation is waiting in the wings
Not much is yet known about the plot of the planned third instalment. Just this much, according to Screenrant: It will be about the "indoctrination of new saints"
Thunder Road as a production partner seems like a good choice to me. "The Boondock Saints" or "The Bloody Path of God", as the film is called in German-speaking countries, is a kind of prototype for the current "John Wick" series. Rough, uncompromising, action-packed, but with cooler lines and even more black humour.
A start date has not yet been set. If filming starts this year, "The Bloody Path of God 3" could still be released in cinemas in 2025. A cinema release in 2026 is more likely.
What was the first part about?
Irish twin brothers Connor (Sean Patrick Flannery) and Murphy MacManus (Norman Reedus) kill two members of the Russian mafia in self-defence. This gives them a kind of saintly status in their Irish neighbourhood. They use this to go to war against the local Russian mafia on a divine mission.
The development into a cult film after a weak start
The action thriller quickly developed into a cult film over the years. But it didn't have it easy at first. The independent label Miramax pulled out of the project shortly before filming began. Director and screenwriter Troy Duffy had previously had nothing to do with the film business. The film was barely released in cinemas in the USA and flopped with box office takings of just 30,500 US dollars. One of the main factors behind the limited distribution was the Columbine massacre at the time: a school shooting in which several people died. In German-speaking countries, the film was released directly onto the market as a video film. It received scathing reviews from critics (26 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes).
Audiences, on the other hand, loved it.
Audiences, on the other hand, were enthusiastic (91 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes) and word of mouth turned "The Bloody Path of God" into a real insider tip: fuelled by the internet and the first offshoots of social networks. [doNotToTake].
Disappointing sequel
This success led to the second part of the film series ten years later, but this time it was also less well received by audiences (22 per cent critic rating and 58 per cent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes). With new ideas and fresh blood, the cult series could now be revitalised and inspire a new generation of viewers.
Who is streaming the first two films?
Unfortunately, the first two instalments of "The Bloody Path of God" are not currently included in any streaming flat rate. However, you can rent and watch the two films for a fee on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and MagentaTV.
Are you excited about the third adventure of the MacManus twin brothers? Which actors and actresses do you see as possible Saints of the new generation? Let me know in the comments.
My interests are varied, I just like to enjoy life. Always on the lookout for news about darts, gaming, films and series.