What happens when a priest hears a confession so explosive it puts a target on his back? And what if that priest, while devoutly adhering to "Thou Shalt Not Kill," secretly harbors a violent past that makes him far more dangerous than any assassin expects? Get ready to find out, because Colin Farrell is stepping into an utterly unique new role.
The acclaimed actor is set to star in "Ordained," an upcoming action-thriller that promises to blend sacred vows with brutal, non-lethal combat. This exciting new project is bringing together some heavy hitters from the world of modern action cinema, hinting at a truly memorable experience for audiences.
TL;DR: Quick Takes on the "Ordained" News
- Colin Farrell will lead "Ordained" as Father Roy Craig, a priest targeted by the mob after hearing a boss's confession.
- The film is produced by the Russo Brothers' AGBO banner and written by John Wick's Derek Kolstad, based on an upcoming Bad Idea comic.
- Despite a "Thou Shalt Not Kill" vow, Farrell's character leverages a violent past, promising intense, unique action without breaking his sacred oath.
From Gotham's Underbelly to the Confessional Booth: Colin Farrell's Next Cinematic Journey
Colin Farrell, fresh off his Emmy-nominated turn as Oswald "Oz" Cobb (The Penguin) in HBO's spin-off series and his upcoming return in The Batman - Part II, is taking on a dramatically different, yet equally intense, character. In "Ordained," he’ll play Father Roy Craig, a man of God whose commitment to his faith is tested by a deadly secret.
The premise alone feels like a high-concept pitch: Father Roy performs last rites on a powerful mob boss. Here’s the catch – the mob boss miraculously survives, but not before confessing his darkest crimes to Father Roy. Suddenly, the priest becomes a loose end, targeted by an army of hitmen, corrupt cops, and gangsters intent on silencing him permanently. Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, "Colin Farrell, Russo Bros. Board Action-Thriller 'Ordained' From Bad Idea", November 12, 2025].
A Priest with a Punch: Unpacking Father Roy Craig's Secret Past
But Father Roy isn't just any clergyman. The comic book's official description reveals he became a priest later in life, and that his "collar wasn't always white." Before finding God, he was Chief Petty Officer Royston Craig, a former Navy SEAL who honed his combat skills amidst fierce battles. Source: [ComicBook.com, "Colin Farrell Teams With Russo Bros. For 'Ordained' Comic Book Movie", November 13, 2025].
This backstory creates a fascinating tension: a man of peace forced to tap into a violent skill set he thought he'd abandoned. The intriguing twist? He adheres strictly to the commandment, "Thou Shalt Not Kill." This means we can expect high-octane action sequences where Father Roy disarms, incapacitates, and dispatches foes without actually taking a life. It’s a delicate balance that could define the film's unique action style.
The Creative Forces Behind This Unconventional Action-Thriller
Bringing this compelling story to the big screen are some of the most influential names in contemporary action cinema. The Russo Brothers, Joe and Anthony Russo, are on board as producers through their production company, AGBO. They're well-known for their work on massive Marvel Cinematic Universe hits like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Endgame. Their involvement alone suggests a project with significant scope and ambition. Source: [ScreenRant, "Russo Brothers & Colin Farrell Reteam For New Comic Book Movie", November 12, 2025].
The screenplay for "Ordained" is being penned by Derek Kolstad, the mastermind writer behind the critically acclaimed John Wick franchise. Kolstad’s expertise in crafting intricate action sequences and gritty underworld narratives is undeniable, making him a perfect fit for a story about a priest caught in a mob war. His previous work on John Wick proved that a tightly choreographed, character-driven action film can be a massive box office success and a critical darling. Source: [Dark Horizons, "Colin Farrell Gets The John Wick Treatment", November 13, 2025].
"God that was a fantastic script, I wonder what's happening with it. I was gonna do it with Luca [Guadagnino], and we spoke a couple of times, but I have no idea where it is now. It should be made," Farrell shared about the scrapped Sgt. Rock movie.
— Colin Farrell, on his frustration over a canceled DC project. Source: [CBR, "Colin Farrell Leads Russo Brothers' Ordained Adaptation", November 13, 2025]
A Cinematic Universe Building, One Comic Book at a Time
"Ordained" is based on an upcoming comic book series from publisher Bad Idea. The first issue of the comic, written by Robert Venditti, illustrated by Trevor Hairsine, and colored by Dave Stewart, is slated for release on December 10, 2025. Source: [Deadline, "Colin Farrell And The Russo Brothers Partner For Comic-Based ‘Ordained’ Action Thriller", November 12, 2025]. This means fans will get a chance to delve into Father Roy Craig's world before the film adaptation hits screens.
This project is part of a broader strategy for AGBO, the Russo Brothers' production company, which aims to back diverse stories. Their ABGOverse has already supported critically acclaimed projects like Everything, Everywhere, All At Once (which scooped up multiple Oscars) and action-thrillers like The Gray Man. They're also backing The Electric State and claim their Marvel directorial efforts under the AGBO banner, showing their commitment to genre-spanning storytelling. Source: [CBR, "Colin Farrell Leads Russo Brothers' Ordained Adaptation", November 13, 2025].
The Balancing Act: Two Major Players with Jam-Packed Schedules
While the news of "Ordained" is exciting, film enthusiasts will need to exercise a bit of patience. The movie currently has no official release date, which makes sense given the incredibly busy schedules of its key talents. Colin Farrell is deeply entrenched in the DC Universe, set to reprise his celebrated role as The Penguin in The Batman - Part II. He's also been busy with Netflix's Ballad of a Small Player and Apple TV+'s Sugar Season 2. Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, "Colin Farrell, Russo Bros. Board Action-Thriller 'Ordained' From Bad Idea", November 12, 2025].
The Russo Brothers, not to be outdone, are simultaneously helming two monumental Marvel projects: Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Doomsday is in post-production with additional photography planned for Spring, aiming for a December 18, 2026 release, while cameras are set to roll on Secret Wars in Summer. Source: [Deadline, "Colin Farrell And The Russo Brothers Partner For Comic-Based ‘Ordained’ Action Thriller", November 12, 2025]. These commitments mean "Ordained" will likely take a back seat for a while as studios vie for the project.
A Glimpse into the Future: Imagining the Non-Lethal Combat
The "Thou Shalt Not Kill" mandate for Father Roy presents an intriguing limitation for an action film. How do you create thrilling, high-stakes combat when your hero can't cross that line? This isn't your typical Liam Neeson "geri-actioner" where bad guys meet swift ends. Imagine a scene: Father Roy corners a hitman in a dimly lit alley. Instead of a fatal blow, he disarms the assailant with fluid, precise movements, then uses the environment – perhaps a loose drainpipe or an unexpected burst of holy water (just kidding, maybe just a swift, incapacitating pressure point strike) – to render him harmless, leaving him tied up in a neat bow for the authorities. It’s a challenge that could push the boundaries of action choreography, demanding creativity and precision from Kolstad’s script and the eventual director.
Counterpoint One: Some might argue that a "no-kill" rule could hamstring an action-thriller, making it feel less impactful or intense. Traditional action Movies often rely on lethal consequences to raise the stakes and establish the hero's prowess. However, the success of films that emphasize tactical, non-lethal combat, or even rely on the sheer skill of the hero to avoid killing (think early Bourne films or Jackie Chan classics), proves that violence doesn't always need to be fatal to be thrilling. Farrell's ability to convey both intensity and moral conflict could elevate these scenes, making the non-lethal approach a strength rather than a weakness.
Counterpoint Two: Another limitation is that the project is still in its early stages – a "hot package" with multiple studios and streamers reportedly in the mix, but no concrete distribution deal or director attached yet. This means there's always a chance the project could shift, or even stall, before it moves into full production. However, the pedigree of talent involved—Farrell, the Russo Brothers, Derek Kolstad—significantly boosts its chances of finding a good home and moving forward swiftly once schedules align. The anticipation building around this trio working together creates a powerful incentive for studios to secure the rights.
Practical Takeaways for Fans
- Get Ready for a Fresh Take on Action: "Ordained" promises a unique blend of religious conviction and gritty combat, powered by a non-lethal hero.
- Read the Source Material: The "Ordained" comic book drops on December 10, 2025. This is your chance to dive into Father Roy's world early.
- Anticipate Top-Tier Talent: With Colin Farrell in the lead, the Russo Brothers producing, and Derek Kolstad writing, expect high production values and compelling storytelling.
- Patience is a Virtue: Due to everyone’s busy schedules (especially Marvel and DC commitments), the film's release date is likely quite a ways off.
- Follow the Bidding War: Keep an eye out for news on which studio or streamer ultimately secures this intriguing project, as that will dictate its eventual home.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About "Ordained"
When will the "Ordained" movie be released? As of now, the "Ordained" movie does not have a confirmed release date. It's still in the early stages, with multiple studios and streamers reportedly bidding for the project. Source: [CBR, "Colin Farrell Leads Russo Brothers' Ordained Adaptation", November 13, 2025]. Is the "Ordained" movie based on a pre-existing story? Yes, the film is based on an upcoming comic book series titled "Ordained" from publisher Bad Idea. The first issue of the comic is set to be released on December 10, 2025. Source: [The Wrap, "Colin Farrell, Agbo Board Action-Thriller ‘Ordained’ From Bad Idea", November 12, 2025]. Who is playing the lead role in "Ordained"? Colin Farrell is cast as the lead character, Father Roy Craig. Source: [Newsdesk, "Colin Farrell cast as priest in action packed new thriller Ordained", November 13, 2025]. What is the premise of "Ordained"? Colin Farrell's character, Father Roy Craig, is a priest who hears the confession of a mob boss during last rites. When the mob boss miraculously survives, he sends hitmen, corrupt cops, and gangsters to silence Father Roy. The priest, however, has a violent past as a former Navy SEAL that he must tap into, while still adhering to his vow of "Thou Shalt Not Kill." Source: [ComicBook.com, "Colin Farrell Teams With Russo Bros. For 'Ordained' Comic Book Movie", November 13, 2025].Sources
- CBR. "Colin Farrell Leads Russo Brothers' Ordained Adaptation." November 13, 2025.
- ComicBook.com. "Colin Farrell Teams With Russo Bros. For 'Ordained' Comic Book Movie." November 13, 2025.
- Dark Horizons. "Colin Farrell Gets The John Wick Treatment." November 13, 2025.
- Deadline. "Colin Farrell And The Russo Brothers Partner For Comic-Based ‘Ordained’ Action Thriller." November 12, 2025.
- Newsdesk. "Colin Farrell cast as priest in action packed new thriller Ordained." November 13, 2025.
- ScreenRant. "Russo Brothers & Colin Farrell Reteam For New Comic Book Movie." November 12, 2025.
- The Hollywood Reporter. "Colin Farrell, Russo Bros. Board Action-Thriller 'Ordained' From Bad Idea." November 12, 2025.
- The Wrap. "Colin Farrell, Agbo Board Action-Thriller ‘Ordained’ From Bad Idea." November 12, 2025.