Primitive War

The first teaser trailer for Primitive War has been unveiled, offering a gripping first look at a top-secret mission gone terrifyingly wrong. Released worldwide today, the trailer showcases the eerie jungles of Vietnam, where danger lurks far beyond enemy lines.

Written and directed by Luke Sparke (Occupation Rainfall, Bring Him to Me), Primitive War is based on Ethan Pettus’ cult-favorite novel of the same name. Set in 1968, the story follows an elite recon unit, Vulture Squad, sent deep into the jungle to locate a missing Green Beret platoon—only to discover a far more lethal threat: dinosaurs.

“Luke’s vision for Primitive War is extraordinary,” says author Ethan Pettus. “His team has poured everything they’ve got into bringing my story to life”.

Blending high-octane action, survival horror and war drama, Primitive War promises edge-of-your-seat thrills. As the tagline warns: “This ain’t no walk in the park.”

The film boasts an impressive international cast, including Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jeremy Piven (Entourage, Old School), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica, Lucifer), Screen Actors Guild nominee Ryan Kwanten (True Blood, Red Hill) and Nick Wechsler (Revenge, The Boys).

They are joined by a dynamic ensemble: Anthony Ingruber (Age of Adaline, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Aaron Glenane (Interceptor, Danger Close), Carlos Sanson Jr (Bump, Legacies), Ana Thu Nguyen (Mortal Kombat 2), Albert Mwangi (Tom Swift, Blueback), Adolphus Waylee (Nautilus), Henry Nixon (Triangle), Lincoln Lewis (Tomorrow, When the War Began), Jeremy Lindsay Taylor (Underbelly), Marcus Johnson (Talk to Me) and Jake Ryan (Territory).

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Rialto Distribution has secured theatrical rights for Australia and New Zealand.

“Australian genre cinema is having a moment unprecedented since the heyday of Ozploitation and Luke Sparke is one of the talents ready to rocket into the stratosphere with his dynamic, furious and fearless ambition to take on the studios at their own game. Primitive War is an independent marvel that has the scope, thrills and technical wizardry to match any blockbusting creature feature stalking the cinema screens of the 21st century. Rialto is thrilled to be partnering with Luke and his team in ANZ on this most deliriously entertaining of pictures.” – Rialto Distribution

Global rights remain open and are being handled directly by the film’s in-house production team at Sparke Films.

Sparke is joined by seasoned producers Carmel Imrie and Carly Sparke, along with executive producers Geoff Imrie and Luke Sparke and co-producer Alex Becconsall.

“This teaser is just a taste of what’s to come,” says Sparke. “After nearly a year in post-production, our incredible team has crafted something truly spectacular.”

Filmed on location on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Primitive War provided significant employment opportunities for local talent and crew, boosting the region’s film industry.

Primitive War is set for worldwide release in 2025.

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