Michael Polish, Director of Alarum, Hints at Possible Sequel: “I Know It’s Been Discussed”

Michael Polish returns to the directorial helm for Alarum, a gripping action tale featuring a pair of rogue spy operatives, portrayed by Scott Eastwood and Willa Fitzgerald, who attempt to escape into a life of normalcy. However, their plans take a dramatic turn when multiple intelligence agencies raid their remote cabin, searching for a stolen hard drive that holds secrets crucial to national security.

This film marks Polish’s latest venture in the action genre, continuing a career that includes notable films such as Force of Nature and 90 Minutes in Heaven. Alongside his brother Mark Polish, Michael has been involved in projects like The Astronaut Farmer and The Smell of Success, typically taking on roles as director and co-writer while Mark contributes as a co-writer and actor.

What Inspired Michael Polish for Alarum?

“Stallone and I have always wanted to work together…”

Scott Eastwood Wings Interview — Custom Image by Yailin Chacon

ScreenRant: You are typically involved in both writing and directing your films. What drew you specifically to direct Alarum?

Michael Polish: When I came across the screenplay, I realized it was an action genre I hadn’t explored deeply before. While I had directed Force of Nature, this script felt entirely fresh to me. My long-standing friendship with Stallone, spanning nearly two decades, made this opportunity particularly enticing; we have always aimed to collaborate. The chemistry between Scott and Stallone also intrigued me, prompting me to take on this project.

Stallone is renowned for his iconic action roles, yet this time he takes a supporting character’s position. Mike Colter transitions from hero in Luke Cage to an antagonist, while Scott Eastwood steps into a leading role after years in ensemble casts. How did it feel to introduce these established actors to new dynamics within the film?

Michael Polish: It was thrilling for all involved. Mike, being a physically imposing figure, was the perfect fit for the role. The size of Stallone’s part did not matter; his mere presence is commanding. When he is on set, everyone notices his charisma, regardless of the size of his role. He indeed anchors the production.

The Significance of Alarum’s Setting

“That location became a character in itself…”

Scott Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, and Willa Fitzgerald on a dock in Alarum

I am intrigued by the film’s action sequences, especially given that most of it unfolds in a single location. How did this limitation shape your design for the action scenes?

Michael Polish: The lodge itself was paramount; it was almost a character in the film. The specificity of the location informed the entire narrative environment. We positioned every action element deliberately within this unique space, allowing for extraordinary moments, including actual explosions within the cabin. This added an authentic spectacle to the film and allowed the audience to engage with the action in a visceral way.

With the intriguing premise of Alarum, do you see potential for a sequel? Have there been discussions around it?

Michael Polish: Absolutely, the idea has been floated, and I’d love to explore it further. Working with Stallone, Willa, and Scott was a joy, and revisiting their characters in a sequel could unlock amazing new dynamics.

Michael Polish’s Exciting Upcoming Project

Michael and Mark Are Co-Directing, Yet Not Collaborating

Looking ahead, you have an engaging project titled There, There with your brother. Can you share how this collaborative yet separate effort works?

Michael Polish: To simplify, Mark directed a narrative about one twin while I focused on a story about another twin. Both characters eventually discover their identical connection later in life. The fascinating thing is, during production, we didn’t collaborate; we shot independently. Once we enter the editing phase, it’s intriguing to see how much of our work aligns despite being unaware of each other’s footage.

For clarity, this means you are not dividing up scenes but intertwining your narratives?

Michael Polish: Precisely! The stories will interlace, showcasing our parallel journeys. My character’s backstory involves a mother’s passing, while in Mark’s film, it’s the father. It creates a humorous, reflective mirroring, as we independently documented our versions of this shared experience.

Is there any word on a release date?

Michael Polish: Not yet, but we are aiming for a premiere at Cannes or Telluride. A fall release seems likely.

About Wings

Featuring stars like Sylvester Stallone, Scott Eastwood, Mike Colter, and Willa Fitzgerald, Alarum is an action-packed thriller that centers on married spies navigating an intense international intelligence operation. Joe (Eastwood) and Lara (Fitzgerald) lead lives off the grid, but their serene retreat is shattered when old guard operatives suspect them of joining a rogue spy team known as ALARUM.