Acclaimed James Bond director Martin Campbell has a rich history of crafting iconic action films, and he returns with his latest project, Dirty Angels. This gripping military drama unfolds in Afghanistan and features a groundbreaking all-women commando unit. In an exclusive interview with ComingSoon, Campbell discusses his latest cinematic venture, which is currently available in select theaters, on digital platforms, and on demand.

“From the visionary behind Casino Royale, Martin Campbell presents this intense action-thriller. When a group of innocent schoolgirls is taken hostage in Afghanistan, an American soldier named Jake, portrayed by Eva Green, teams up with an all-female commando unit to orchestrate their rescue. The daring plan involves gaining the trust of the terrorists by posing as humanitarian aid workers. However, unforeseen betrayals, heartbreaking events, and Jake’s haunting past complicate this life-and-death mission. Featuring an impressive cast including Maria Bakalova, Ruby Rose, and Jojo T. Gibbs,” describes the captivating synopsis of Dirty Angels.

Tyler Treese: Congratulations on the release of Dirty Angels. I found the film to be incredibly engaging. Your prolific output in the 2020s is impressive, having completed four films already this decade. What has fueled such rapid production rates for you?

Martin Campbell: The independent film landscape often allows for swift turnarounds, right? I’ve just wrapped up Cleaner with Daisy Ridley in London and finished another project just a couple of weeks ago. This film was ahead of those projects and drew me in with a compelling script that I was eager to work on. The funding materialized quickly, so we jumped right into production.

It’s exciting to see. Your recent films have all been entertaining, and the unique setting of Dirty Angels stands out. Very few films explore the context of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. What drew you to this particular backdrop?

Absolutely, the situation was quite relevant, occurring just after the American forces withdrew. The opening scenes precede the withdrawal, and the narrative progresses to the current state of conflict, particularly the ongoing war between ISIS and the Taliban. This civil war is a pressing issue today. In our storyline, ISIS has kidnapped six schoolgirls from Pakistan, holding them for ransom. The topical nature of this narrative intrigued me greatly, leading me to want to tell this powerful story.

I’m curious about your lead actress, Eva Green. Her performance carries a distinct edge. What aspects of her portrayal convinced you she was the ideal choice for this role?

Eva’s character in Dirty Angels is vastly different from her role in Casino Royale, which I think is what excited her. She embraces a gritty, down-to-earth character that contrasts sharply with her previous roles. This drastic transformation was appealing to me as well; I knew she had the talent to adapt significantly. Having previously collaborated with her, I was confident in her ability to tackle this challenging role, and she truly excelled in bringing it to life.

It’s fascinating to see how you’ve drawn out such diverse performances from her across different genres.

In this film, I was particularly impressed with her hand-to-hand combat scenes. She exhibits excellent choreography and skill.

Indeed, the fight sequences are intense and grounded in reality. I aimed to ensure that the action depicted is something these characters could realistically perform. The climactic confrontation occurs in an old Russian bunker where ISIS operatives are stationed. Eva trained rigorously for these scenes, showing remarkable dedication. Physically, she may not seem like the archetypal action hero, but her commitment to the role was extraordinary. She approached it with tenacity and determination.

You have previously worked with strong female leads, but the ensemble cast in Dirty Angels is impressive. With Eva, Ruby, Maria, Jojo, and others, how did you approach the casting process, especially for Maria, who is new to action films?

My intention was to create a diverse and authentic team, avoiding a superficial “Miss Universe” appearance. I meticulously auditioned countless actresses to select six who each brought unique qualities to the ensemble. The cast features women from various backgrounds; for example, Eva is French, Rona hails from Israel, Jojo is American, and Ruby is Australian, while Maria is Bulgarian. This international representation enhances the film’s authenticity and depth.

I spoke with Maria, and she mentioned a boot camp prior to filming. Do you believe this experience fostered the camaraderie we see among the characters in the movie?

Absolutely, that boot camp experience was invaluable in building camaraderie among the cast. None of these talented women had previously portrayed soldiers, and the opportunity to embrace such a bold role was appealing to them. They worked diligently to deliver realistic performances, and their commitment truly shines through on screen.

You recently completed Cleaner with Daisy Ridley. What can audiences anticipate from that film, and how was your experience working with her?

Daisy Ridley is exceptional. Although I shouldn’t delve into another film’s plot, Cleaner is reminiscent of a Die Hard-style tale where she plays a window cleaner caught in a thrilling situation. I can’t reveal much more, but Daisy shines in her role. Additionally, we have a promising newcomer, Taz Skylar, alongside veteran Clive Owen. Much of the action takes place on the side of a skyscraper, adding an exhilarating element to the story.

Special thanks to Martin Campbell for sharing insights about Dirty Angels.