Stephen Lang Embraces Villainy in Sisu: Road to Revenge and Upcoming Avatar Sequel

Stephen Lang is playing another formidable villain. The actor stars as a ruthless Soviet officer in the new action film Sisu: Road to Revenge. The movie releases worldwide on November 21.

This role continues a long-running trend for the Hollywood veteran. He is widely recognized for his portrayals of cold and relentless antagonists.

From Avatar Colonel to Soviet Officer

Lang’s new character is Igor Draganov. He is a hardened Red Army officer in the Sisu sequel. Igor serves as the direct antithesis to the film’s hero, Aatami.

The actor describes finding the character’s layers of callousness an interesting challenge. He notes that this cold cruelty is very far from his own real-life personality. According to Reuters, the film is a highly anticipated action follow-up.

Lang is no stranger to such roles. He famously played the formidable Colonel Miles Quaritch in James Cameron’s Avatar. He will reprise that role in the next sequel, Avatar: Fire and Ash, releasing December 19.

Not Offended by the Typecast

Lang does not get offended by frequently being cast as the villain. He jokes that he is not as despicable as he appears on screen. The roles he accepts are often colorful, exotic, and sometimes charismatic.

He admits to turning down many “stinker” roles over the years. The 73-year-old actor sees his “hard-ass” image as a sellable illusion. He hopes audiences can distinguish the character from the real person.

His career, spanning over four decades, has cemented this image. He sees it as a niche with its own advantages. Playing these complex antagonists continues to provide compelling work.

Stephen Lang’s villainous journey is a testament to his skill, proving that a compelling antagonist is just as crucial as the hero.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Sisu: Road to Revenge about?

The film is a sequel to the 2022 hit Sisu. It continues the story of Aatami, who now faces a new ruthless enemy. This enemy is Stephen Lang’s character, a Soviet officer.

What other famous villain did Stephen Lang play?

He is best known for playing Colonel Miles Quaritch in the Avatar films. He will return as Quaritch in Avatar: Fire and Ash. This role cemented his status as a go-to actor for formidable antagonists.

When is the new Avatar movie coming out?

Avatar: Fire and Ash is scheduled for release on December 19. Stephen Lang will reprise his role as the villain. The film is the next chapter in James Cameron’s epic series.

Does Stephen Lang mind being typecast as a villain?

He does not mind the typecasting. He finds the characters complex and interesting to portray. Lang states he turns down many poorly written villain roles.

Who directs Sisu: Road to Revenge?

The film is directed by Jalmari Helander. He also directed the first Sisu movie. The sequel promises the same intense action as the original.