Video Interview: Joe Taslim, Star of Martial Arts Epic "The Furious"

Remember 15 years ago or so when martial arts enthusiasts went absolutely nuts over “The Raid?” Well, prepare for the next generation of that phenomenon with “The Furious.” The film features talent from all across Asia. The director is Japan’s Kenji Tanigaki, and the stars are Indonesia’s Joe Taslim and China’s Xie Miao. The film was shot in Thailand and utilizes a Hong Kong production style.

Joe Taslim stars as a reporter whose wife has gone missing amidst an investigation into human traffickers. Meanwhile, Xie Miao plays a father whose daughter is kidnapped by the criminals. The two men are on a quest to save their loved ones, ultimately teaming up to fight anyone who stands in the way of their bone-crunching brand of justice.

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“The Furious” is an absolute delight. Its story might be cookie-cutter, but has a palpable forward momentum and a tight focus on its leading characters that elevates the film beyond more than just its fight sequences. Of course, the fights are the main attraction here, and this is where “The Furious” leaves its mark on cinema. Simply put, you’ve never seen anything like what “The Furious” has to offer. From its Judo-infused martial arts fights to an anime heavy who literally charges his attacks like he’s in a video game, “The Furious” commits to its heightened sensibilities to create a singular martial arts experience that stands above and beyond anything from recent memory.

I had the opportunity to chat with Joe Taslim about his work on “The Furious,” as well as his other 2026 action movie, “Mortal Kombat II,” in which he plays Noob Saibot. He talks about his career trajectory, working in international productions, and how he’s developed a close rapport with Yayan Ruhian. “The Furious” marks his third collaboration with Ruhian, and his third onscreen battle against the Silat master.

Watch our complete chat below. “The Furious” releases in theaters on June 12.

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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM.