Ryan Kwanten and Jeremy Piven in Primitive War.

Sparke Films has released an exclusive first look at Primitive War, the action-packed survival thriller directed by Luke Sparke. This unique, genre-blending film introduces dinosaurs into the harsh jungles of the Vietnam War. The preview featurette includes insights from the director and cast on the rigorous filming process and offers a glimpse into the sprawling sets and real jungle locations that create a raw, immersive experience.

Written and directed by Luke Sparke (Occupation Rainfall, Bring Him To Me), Primitive War is adapted from the cult novel by Ethan Pettus. The story follows Vulture Squad, a recon team sent to a remote jungle valley in 1968 to locate a missing Green Beret platoon, only to find themselves face-to-face with prehistoric predators.

The cast boasts Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jeremy Piven (Entourage, Old School), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica, Lucifer), Ryan Kwanten (True Blood, Red Hill), and Nick Wechsler (Revenge, The Boys). They are joined by a talented ensemble, including Anthony Ingruber (Age of Adaline), Aaron Glenane (Danger Close), Carlos Sanson Jr (Bump), Ana Thu Nguyen (Mortal Kombat 2), and others. Together, they bring this gripping narrative of survival and camaraderie to life.

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In the featurette, director Sparke recounts his first encounter with Pettus’s novel, recalling how the striking cover of a soldier battling a Utahraptor captured his imagination. Reflecting on the shoot, Kwanten comments, “Filming has been pretty darn amazing.” Helfer adds, “It’s about people coming together, using primal instincts to survive.” Wechsler describes the concept as “bananas – and so much better than it has any business being.” Carlos Sanson sums it up as, “a war film meets dinosaur film meets action film – blending the best of all genres.”

Produced by Carmel Imrie and Carly Sparke, with executive producers Geoff Imrie and Luke Sparke & Co Producer Alex Becconsall, Primitive War also boasts the creative talents of Wade Muller (Occupation Rainfall) as cinematographer, with Sparke overseeing production design, editing, and visual effects.

The team behind Primitive War celebrates the thrill and intensity of this ambitious project. “This is a badass, kickass run through the jungle with the world’s most fearsome predators,” say producers Carly Sparke and Carmel Imrie. Author Ethan Pettus adds, “I’m thrilled with Luke’s interpretation and the passion the team is bringing to the story. I know his team is giving this project everything they’ve got”.

Primitive War was filmed on the Gold Coast, Australia, with a mostly local crew, contributing hundreds of jobs to the region. The film is set for a global release in 2025.