Iko Uwais Leads Multi-Generational Crime Series 'Jakarta' at Alcon Entertainment

Iko Uwais Tapped as Lead for New Crime Epic

Action star Iko Uwais is set to headline "Jakarta," a multi-generational family crime series currently in development at Alcon Entertainment. The project pairs the Indonesian martial arts icon with director Albert Hughes, who is attached to helm the pilot episode and serve as producing director for the series.

Writers Kirk Ward and Joshua W. Wagner developed the project, with Ward also locked in as showrunner. The series represents the second creative partnership between Hughes and Ward, who previously collaborated on "The Continental," the "John Wick" prequel event series that streamed on Peacock. For "Jakarta," the duo aims to combine Ward's drama-writing experience with Hughes' feature film background to deliver what producers describe as a grounded, visceral crime epic.

A Story Rooted in Indonesia's Capital

Set against the backdrop of Indonesia's capital city as it navigates rapid globalization, "Jakarta" will leverage Uwais' well-established reputation for physically demanding action performance. The actor built his international profile through films such as "The Raid" and "Wu Assassins," and is also attached to "Road House 2."

Hughes brings his own pedigree to the project. The filmmaker is best known for directing "Menace II Society" and "The Book of Eli," giving the series a creative team with deep roots in both gritty drama and action cinema.

Production Team and Executive Producers

Alcon Entertainment, the production company behind "Blade Runner 2049" and the acclaimed science fiction series "The Expanse," is producing the project. The company's involvement signals a significant investment in what could become a flagship genre series.

Uwais will executive produce through his Uwais Pictures banner, working alongside producing partner Ryan Santoso. Hughes, Ward, and Wagner round out the executive producing team, ensuring that the creative vision spans writing, directing, and performance.

In terms of representation, Uwais is represented by Gersh and Vault Entertainment. Hughes is repped by Range Media Partners. Ward is represented by Gersh, while Wagner is represented by Gersh and Lit Entertainment.

Uwais Expands His Action Portfolio

Beyond "Jakarta," Uwais continues to build an ambitious slate of action projects. He is set to lead John Radel's "Warrior," an Indonesian action thriller that returns him to the Silat-based fighting style that originally launched his career. The martial art of Pencak Silat was central to his breakout performance in "The Raid" and has remained a signature element of his on-screen work.

Additionally, Uwais is attached to star in "MRI," a hospital siege thriller directed by Liam O'Donnell, whose credits include the series "Alphas." The project marks the third feature collaboration between Uwais and O'Donnell, following 2017's "Beyond Skyline" and the anticipated sequel "Skyline: Warpath."

With "Jakarta," Uwais adds a long-form television project to a career defined by kinetic, hard-hitting action cinema. The combination of his physical performance skills, Hughes' directorial sensibility, and Alcon's production resources positions the series as a notable entry in the international crime drama landscape.

Will "Jakarta" become the next must-watch crime epic? Share this article with fellow fans of action and crime drama, and let us know what you think about Iko Uwais teaming up with Albert Hughes for this ambitious new series.

Source: Variety