Second Blood
| Company type | Independent production house |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Kuwait City , Kuwait |
| Products | Films |
Second Blood is a 2016 Kuwaiti action adventure film helmed by director Fawzi Al-Khatib, with a screenplay penned by Shehab Al-Fadhli and Fayez Hussein Ali. The movie features bodybuilding champion Abdulhadi Al-Khayat in his first acting role, supported by Ranaa Ghandour, Khaled Al-Buraiki, and Mojeb Al-Qabandi.
Al-Khayat embodies Yousef Rambu, a former member of the Kuwait Armed Forces burdened by a complex history. His mission involves liberating political detainees from an isolated Asian island. Drawing inspiration from Rambo: First Blood Part II, Second Blood was released on November 27, 2016.
Plot
Yousef Rambu (played by Al-Khayat), once a commando and intelligence operative, endures capture and torture at the hands of Chinese intelligence agents, which fortifies his pain tolerance. He receives orders to penetrate the dense jungles of a neglected Asian island to free prominent political captives held hostage by terrorists.
Cast
- Abdulhadi Al-Khayat as Yousef Rambu
- Ranaa Ghandour as Monira Rambu
- Mojeb Al-Qabandi as General Mughni
- Massouma as female interrogator
- Abdullah Bakhsh
- Fatima Al Marzooqi
Production
In November 2015, the independent Kuwaiti production house Jabara Media Group revealed plans for an action movie influenced by American classics such as First Blood (1982) and Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985). They signed Kuwaiti bodybuilding champion, police officer, and commando Abdulhadi Al-Khayat to portray Yousef Rambu, described as "a former Kuwait Army Forces operative—exceptionally resilient and brave." The character was promoted as a Kuwaiti counterpart to John Rambo, sharing numerous characteristics with the iconic American figure.
Second Blood represents the acting debut of Al-Khayat and the first screenplay effort for writers Shehab Al-Fadhli and Fayez Hussein Ali. Director Fawzi Al-Khatib was announced in December 2015. He characterized Rambu as "an enhanced iteration of the original Rambo." Actress Ranaa Ghandour was cast to play Monira, Rambu's spouse.
Principal photography commenced in February 2016 in Punjab, Pakistan, continuing through May.
Release
The film debuted on November 27, 2016, with a limited theatrical run in Kuwait City and distribution via VOD platforms. Jabara Media Group handled international distribution across Australia, Germany, Japan, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Bahrain, North Macedonia, and Morocco.
According to IMDb, the reception of Second Blood was mixed upon its release.
Sequel
Although a follow-up titled Second Blood 2: Back in the Army was announced prior to the original film’s premiere, it never came to fruition. In September 2022, reports surfaced about a newly produced sequel named Second Blood, with Abdulhadi Al-Khayat expected to return as Yousef Rambu.
External links
- Articles with short description
- 2016 action adventure films
- 2010s war adventure films
- 2010s Arabic-language films
- Bodybuilding films
- Cultural depictions of bodybuilders
- Films about military personnel
- Films about special forces
- Films set in Kuwait
- Films shot in Pakistan
- Kuwaiti drama films
- Rambo (franchise)
- Films about torture
- Films set in jungles
- Films set on fictional islands